Attavicinus, a new generic name for the myrmecophilous dung beetle Liatongus monstrosus (Scarabaeidae : Scarabaeinae)

摘要

The Mexican dung beetle species Liatongus monstrosus (Bates) is redescribed and made the type of Attavicinus new genus. The phylogenetic evidence for the creation of this taxon and its biology and close association with the debris piles of the leaf cutter ant, Atta mexicana (Smith), are discussed. Information on the restricted distribution in Jalisco and Michoacan and the biogeography and systematics of this genus and the other New World members of the Oniticellini is also included.