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Euoniticellus intermedius
Distribution
Eastern Africa, from Ethiopa to South Africa; Central and Southern Europe, Asia Minor, Turkistan, Iran, Afghanistan and India.
Description
Medium (7-13mm). Light to dark brown.
Clypeal margin with either 0 or 2 teeth. Hypomeron not excavated anteriorly.
Elytra: Elytra with 8 striae. Striae faintly impressed, impunctate to moderately punctate. Dorsal surface with short bristles, and a line of longer setae along posterior margin.
Hind wings: Fully developed.
Legs: Fore tibiae with 4 large teeth on the outer edge. Middle coxae parallel. Tibiae gradually but strongly widened apically. Middle tibiae with 2 strong spurs of unequal length. Spurs on hind tibiae longer than 1st tarsal segment. Claws moderate, simple.
Abdomen: Sternites normal. Pygidium slightly convex, strongly bordered, with numerous punctures bearing setae.
Sexual dimorphism
Teeth on fore tibiae generally smaller and rounder in female. In one species, E. intermedius, head armament differs between male and female.
Similar Genera
Liatongus, of a similar size and general shape, yellow brown colour.
Obvious differences: Liatongus, elytra with distinct longitudinal yellow stripes, no line of setae along posterior margin; head armament in males of E. intermedius.
Ecology
Adults copraphagous, winged, in open areas, pastures, mainly found in cow dung.
References
Cassis, G. & Weir, T.A. (1992) Scarabaeinae. pp 106-173. In: Houston, W.W.K. (ed.) Zoological Catalogue of Australia. Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea. Canberra: AGPS Vol. 9.
Tyndale-Biscoe, M. (1990) Common Dung Beetles in Pastures of South-eastern Australia. CSIRO Division of Entomology.
Copyright © Australian Museum 2016
Authors: Rebecca Harris & Dr. Chris Reid