New Record of the Dung Beetle, Aphodius fimetarius (L.) (Coleoptera, Aphodiidae) in Iraq

Abstract

Dung beetle, Aphodius fimetarius (Linnaeus, 1758) (Coleoptera, Aphodiidae) was registered as a new record from Iraq. The important morphological features are redescribed in this study and illustrated. The members of the taxon are easily distinguished, where the mandibles are irregular in shape and bidenticles. The distal part of lacinia membranous is dense with very short yellow setose. The 4th segment of the maxillary palps is elongated, oval and as long as the 2nd segment. Antenna is lamellate and consists of nine segments and the; 1st segment is oval and 2.4 times as long as the 2nd segment. Pronotum is black with yellow angles anteriorly. The parameres are parallel from the dorsal view, slightly convex laterally, apex relatively weakly bent and hook like. The whole body and the important parts of the species were photographed to facilitate the classification process.