Aphodiini

Aphodiini is a tribe of scarab beetles belonging to the subfamily Aphodiinae. These beetles are commonly known as small dung beetles. Aphodiini are a globally distributed group found in a wide range of habitats, primarily those where dung is present.

Characteristics:

• Aphodiini beetles are generally small, ranging in size from a few millimeters to around 10 millimeters.
• They are typically brown, black, or reddish-brown in color.
• The body shape is usually oval or elongated.
• The elytra (wing covers) often have longitudinal ridges or striae.
• They have lamellate antennae, which can be folded into a club shape.
• Aphodiini beetles possess strong legs adapted for digging and moving dung.

Ecology and Behavior:

• Aphodiini are primarily coprophagous, meaning they feed on dung. They play a crucial role in nutrient cycling by burying and consuming dung, which helps to aerate the soil and reduce parasite loads.
• They are attracted to the dung of various animals, including mammals, birds, and reptiles.
• Many species exhibit parental care, constructing brood masses of dung for their larvae to feed on.
• They can be found in a variety of habitats, including pastures, forests, and grasslands.

Classification:

Aphodiini is a large and diverse tribe within the Aphodiinae, comprising numerous genera and species. The classification of Aphodiini has been subject to revision, and the exact number of genera included may vary depending on the taxonomic authority. Some well-known genera within Aphodiini include Aphodius, Acrossus, and Didactylia.

Importance:

Aphodiini beetles are ecologically important due to their role in dung decomposition and nutrient cycling. They can also be economically significant, as their dung-burying activity can improve pasture quality and reduce populations of dung-breeding flies. In some regions, they are used in biological control programs to manage pest insects.