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Dung Beetles
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Amphistomus macphersonensis
Distribution
The MacPherson Range, on the New South Wales-Queensland border. In closed forest.
Description
Total length 4-6mm. Colour dark brown.
Head: Dorsal parts of eyes very small. Tubercules absent, but indicated by two tufts. Densely covered in medium-sized shallow punctures.
Prothorax: Surface aleutaceous, covered with medium-sized punctures. Tubercules generally not prominent, with several indicated by a line of longer setae or tuft only. 2 more prominent tubercules present laterally.
Elytra: Foreshortened. Interval 1 with only a few minute tubercules. Intervals 3, 5 and 7 with 2-3 tubercules, none on posterior edges. Pseudepipluera with one tubercule and some small tufts. Lateral edges tuberculate. Surface aleutaceous. Striae broad, very superficial, with very large, very shallow punctures.
Hind wings: Absent.
Sterna: Mesosternum with median ridge, metasternum with shallow median depression. Mesometasternal suture very fine and indistinct. Ventral surfaces moderately densely covered with medium to large punctures.
Legs: Hind trochanter with moderate spur. Hind edge of middle femur not serrate. Hind femur with 1 spur on the hind edge, the margin near spur with a row of tubercules. Hind tarsal segments about as wide as long; 1st segment slightly shorter than 2nd and 3rd combined.
Abdomen: Sternites without tubercules. Pygidium with only 1 very prominent tubercule at apex of disc.
Sexual dimorphism
Female: Hind legs without spurs.
References
Matthews, E.G. (1974) A revision of the Scarabaeine dung beetles of Australia. II. Tribe Scarabaeini. Aust. J. Zool. Suppl. Ser. 24: 1-211.
Copyright © Australian Museum 2016
Authors: Rebecca Harris & Dr. Chris Reid