Methane-reduction
Guides
Aphodius
dung beetles
Aphodius is a genus of dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. The genus was established by Hellwig in 1798, with Scarabaeus fimetarius Linnaeus, 1758 designated as the type species by Latreille in 1810. Species in this genus typically dominate dung beetle communities in north temperate ecosystems and are classified as endocoprids (dwellers), with larvae living and feeding within dung pats. Most species are coprophagous, though some have herbivorous or saprophagous larvae. The genus currently includes 44 recognized species, of which 21 are extinct.
Aphodius fimetarius
farmer scarab beetle
Aphodius fimetarius is a small scarab beetle native to Europe, commonly known as the farmer scarab beetle. The species has been introduced to North America, where it is now widespread in cattle dung. Recent taxonomic work has recognized A. fimetarius as part of a species complex with Aphodius pedellus; in Canada, only A. pedellus has been confirmed present. The beetle serves as a host for multiple parasites, including the tachinid fly Strongygaster triangulifer and the nematode Eudiplogaster aphodii.
Aphodius pedellus
Aphodius pedellus is a small dung beetle native to Europe that has been introduced to North America, where it is now widespread and common in cattle pastures. It was long confused with Aphodius fimetarius as part of a species complex, but morphological and DNA barcoding studies have confirmed them as distinct species. In Canada, only A. pedellus is present; A. fimetarius is absent. North American populations show reduced genetic diversity consistent with introduction during European settlement.
Oscarinus crassuloides
Oscarinus crassuloides is a dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Fall in 1907. The species belongs to the subfamily Aphodiinae, a group commonly associated with dung decomposition. It occurs in the southwestern United States and central Mexico. Like other members of its genus, it likely contributes to nutrient cycling through dung burial activities.