Abstract Among the 26 Hybosorinae genera, seven are present exclusively in the Neotropical region. However, Hybosorinae from the New World have been less studied. One new genus and new species collected in Brazil is herein described to this subfamily. The genus is recognizable by the following combination of characters: labium with semicircular mentum; mandibles with lateral projection excavated, separated in the middle by longitudinal carina, inner side sheltering the labrum; antennae with nine antenomeres; scutellar shield with strong punctures at the proximal half; elytra with single rows formed by punctures; and protibia without well-defined denticles.

Abstract A new species of Canthon is described, illustrated and the morphological similarities with related species are discussed. The species Canthon cleidecostae was named after Dr. Cleide Costa a great beetles specialist. The subgeneric category of species is considered incertae sedis until the taxonomic revision of the genus Canthon is fully addressed. Also, we provide a key for genera, subgenera and isolated species-groups that can be confused with the genus Canthon.

RESUMO Nossos objetivos foram determinar se o padrão de distribuição geográfica de besouros rola-bostas na Mata Atlântica Brasileira (MAB), no sudeste do Brasil, permite a identificação das áreas de endemismo nesse bioma, como o número e os limites das áreas de endemismo variam com a escala espacial usada na análise, se as áreas de endemismo aqui identificadas são consistentes com propostas anteriores descritas na literatura. Utilizamos a análise de endemicidade (NDM) sobre os padrões de distribuição de 198 espécies e subespécies de besouros rola-bostas, a fim de identificar áreas de endemismo em grades de 0,25°x0,25°, 0,5°x0, 5° e 1°x1°. Foram identificadas 15 áreas de consenso (AC) com os diferentes tamanhos de quadrículas empregados (duas de 0,25°, três de 0,5° e 10 do 1°). Nossos resultados corroboram as premissas sobre a influência do tamanho da grade, uma vez que um número menor de AC foi identificado nas quadrículas de 0,25° (02 AC), enquanto que ao aumentar o tamanho das unidades, houve um aumento no número de áreas de endemismo (10 AC do 1°). Apesar de diferentes níveis de congruência geográfica, as áreas de endemismo localizadas no MAB descritas em outros trabalhos são corroboradas, total ou parcialmente. A sobreposição dessas AC permitiu a definição de três áreas generalizadas de endemismo: Sudeste, Central e Sudoeste. Essas áreas generalizadas englobaram habitats com grande variedade ambiental, influenciando potencialmente os níveis de endemismo de espécies de besouros. Além disso, eles foram corroborados por outras áreas de endemismo descritas na literatura, permitindo argumentar que os processos que formam essas regiões influenciaram as espécies de besouros como descrito para outros grupos de organismos.

ABSTRACT Our goals were to determine whether the pattern of geographical distribution of dung beetles in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest (BAF), Southeast Brazil, supports the identification of the areas of endemism in this biome, how the number and boundaries of the areas of endemism vary with the spatial scale used in the analysis, if the areas of endemism identified here are consistent with previous proposals described in the literature. We used the analysis of endemicity (NDM) on the distributional patterns of 198 species and subspecies of dung beetles in order to identify areas of endemism into grids of 0.25°x0.25°, 0.5°x0.5° and 1°x1°. A total of 15 consensus areas (CA) were identified with the different grid sizes employed (two of 0.25°, three of 0.5° and 10 of 1°). Our results support the assumptions about the influence of the grid size, since a smaller number of CA were identified for the 0.25° grids (02 CA), whereas by increasing the size of the units, there was an increase in the number of the areas of endemism (10 CA of 1°). Despite different levels of geographical congruence, the areas of endemism located in the BAF described elsewhere are corroborate, all or part of them. The overlap of these CA allowed the definition of three generalized areas of endemism: Southeast, Central and Southwest. These generalized areas encompassed habitats with great environmental variety, potentially influencing the levels of endemism of species of dung beetles. Furthermore, they were corroborated by other areas of endemism described in the literature, allowing us to argue that processes forming these regions have influenced dung beetle species as described for other groups of organisms.

Abstract Within the subgenus Dichotomius (Selenocopris) Burmeister 1846, D. nisus (Olivier, 1789) and D. superbus (Felsche, 1901) had been historically arranged in the “Nisus” section by Luederwaldt, however, according to the revised classification of the subgenus, the two species now belong to different species groups. In this paper, the taxonomic history concerning the species once included by Luederwaldt in the “Nisus” section is revised and discussed. The following new synonyms are proposed: Pinotus taunayi (Luederwaldt, 1931) as a subjective synonym of D. geminatus (Arrow, 1913), and Pinotus taunayi pilosus (Luederwaldt, 1931) as a subjective synonym of D. nisus. Lectotypes are designated for D. nisus and Pinotus garbei. Redescriptions, diagnoses and updated distribution data are provided for D. nisus and D. superbus. The diagnostic characters of the male genitalia of these species are described and illustrated for the first time.

ABSTRACT Although dung beetles are important members of ecological communities and indicators of ecosystem quality, species diversity, and how it varies over space and habitat types, remains poorly understood in the Brazilian Cerrado. We compared dung beetle communities among plant formations in the Serra Azul State Park (SASP) in the state of Mato Grosso, Brazil. Sampling (by baited pitfall and flight-interception traps) was carried out in 2012 in the Park in four habitat types: two different savanna formations (typical and open) and two forest formations (seasonally deciduous and gallery). A total of 5,400 individuals collected comprised 57 species in 22 genera. Typical savanna had the greatest species richness and abundance, followed by open savanna and deciduous forest, while the gallery forest had the fewest species but high abundance. Tunnelers (one of three main nesting behavior guilds) showed the greatest richness and abundance (except in the gallery forest, where one dweller species was extremely abundant) in all plant formations. We found that species richness and abundance of the dung beetle community are influenced by differences among plant formations. Habitat heterogeneity in the different plant formations along with anthropic influences (fire, habitat fragmentation) are cited as important factors that explain guild and species richness and distribution patterns. These results emphasize the importance of protected areas, such as SASP, for the maintenance and conservation of species diversity in the Brazilian Cerrado.

ABSTRACT On the basis of external morphology and genitalia of males, as well as a comparison between different species belonging to other groups of Dichotomius, we propose a redefinition of the "buqueti" species group separated by Luederwaldt (1929). Six species are excluded from this group and transferred to other groups: D. ribeiroi (Pereira, 1954) in the "cotopaxi" group; D. camposeabraiMartínez, 1974 in the "bitiensis" group; D. reclinatus (Felsche, 1901), D. horridus (Felsche, 1911), D. quadrinodosus (Felsche, 1901) and D. nimuendaju (Luederwaldt, 1925) (revalidated species) forming the newly defined "reclinatus" group. The other species kept in the "buqueti" group include D. buqueti (Lucas, 1857) from Brazil (lectotype here designated), D. haroldi (Waterhouse, 1891) from Argentina and D. nutans (Harold, 1867) from Brazil, Argentina and Uruguay. The taxonomic revision of the "buqueti" group are presented, including a history of the included species, a determination key, illustrations of the structures of external morphology, male genitalia and sclerites of the internal sac, and a distribution map.

Abstract: Peugeot-ONF Forest Carbon Sink Project, located at Fazenda São Nicolau (FSN) in Cotriguaçu Municipality, is a public-private initiative and has been supported by several French and Brazilian institutions. Its Research Program includes studies aiming Biodiversity Conservation, Ecology, Carbon Dynamics, Silvicultural Techniques. FSN comprises a high richness of species with more than 20 new species of beetles (Histeridae, Scarabaeidae e Melolonthidae) described among them one endemic genus. A quick overview of the SuperFamily Scarabaeoidea within the FSN area registered 260 species which nearly 100 species might be new to Science. One new species of fish as well as research with amphibian toxins as tools to treat cancer and malaria are also done with material collected at the FSN. Ecology of the decomposer´s fauna at reforestation sites showed that after 10 years, such places were more similar to native forest sites than pastures or abandoned pastures. Finally large mammals studies indicated that many large mammals use FSN as a refuge. We stress the importance to keep the FSN natural habitats linked with the Juruena National Park. The FSN contour is under heavy deforestation which will increase the species loss and turn FSN in one of the few major natural vegetation fragments.

ABSTRACT The monospecific subgenus Dichotomius (Homocanthonides) is revised and its single species, Dichotomius (H.) smaragdinus (Perty, 1830) is redescribed and distinguished from other Dichotomius species. Dichotomius (H.) smaragdinus is a polymorphic species and its distribution comprises the Brazilian Cerrado. For the first time, morphological variation and male genital organ are described and illustrated. We believe that this species might be endangered due to extensive deforestation of Brazilian Cerrado by agricultural and pasture expansion. Thus, we highlight the importance of preserving this very unusual Dichotomius species.

Resumen Los escarabajos de la subfamilia Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) son un grupo importante utilizado en estudios de taxonomía, ecología, biodiversidad, conservación e historia natural, por ser buenos indicadores de la calidad del hábitat y ricos en géneros y especies. Su taxonomía es relativamente bien conocida; sin embargo, comúnmente se registran nuevos taxones y cambios nomenclaturales, principalmente por revisiones a nivel de género. Actualmente, en el neotrópico se han registrado 127 taxones (entre géneros y subgéneros), de los cuales 59 taxones pertenecientes a 33 géneros y 220 especies (con 22 nuevos registros) se reconocen en Ecuador y otros nueve géneros podrían llegar a ser registrados. Con el objetivo de fomentar el estudio y el conocimiento de este grupo en Ecuador, en este trabajo se presenta una clave de identificación de géneros y subgéneros presentes y/o presuntos para el país, la cual incluye taxones actuales según nuevas publicaciones para el neotrópico de Scarabaeinae.

Abstract The beetles of the Subfamily Scarabaeinae are a group that have been used in taxonomic, ecological, natural history, biodiversity and conservation studies recently, as they are good indicators of habitat quality and due to their great genera and species richness. Their taxonomy is relatively well known, however new taxa and nomenclatural changes are frequently ocurring, mainly due to taxonomic revisions at the genus level. Currently in the Neotropics, 127 taxa (between genera and subgenera) are recorded, with 59 taxa belonging to 33 genera and 220 species (with 23 new records) present in Ecuador, and nine more genera that allegedly could be registered. With the aim of promoting the study and knowledge of this group in Ecuador, an identification key for the genera and subgenera present and/or supposed to be present in this country is provided in this work, which includes current taxa from Scarabaeinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) for the neotropic.

Abstract The first Ateuchus Weber (Scarabaeinae) species, A. tuza sp. nov., from a rodent burrow from North America is described. Diagnostic characters are presented; photographs of an adult male and illustrations of male genitalia are included. A key for all known Mexican Ateuchus Weber species is provided. Ateuchus hornai (Balthasar) is revalidated. New distribution records from Mexico and Central America are reported.

RESUMO Apresenta-se nesse estudo uma lista atualizada das espécies de besouros rola-bostas reportadas para o estado de Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil. Cento e dezoito espécies são reportadas, e associadas aos ecossistemas ou hábitats antropizados em que ocorrem no estado.

ABSTRACT In this study we present an updated checklist of species of dung beetles of the subfamily Scarabaeinae, occurrying in Mato Grosso do Sul state, Brazil. One hundred and eighteen species are reported and associated with ecosystems or antropized habitat within the state of Mato Grosso do Sul.

Este é o primeiro estudo da diversidade de besouros rola-bosta (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) nas savanas intra-amazônicas de Roraima, Brasil. Nosso objetivo foi inventariar a fauna de besouros associada com savanas (conhecidas regionalmente como 'lavrado'), uma vez que pouco se sabe sobre esses besouros nesse ambiente. Nós amostramos em savanas próximas a cidade de Boa Vista durante a estação chuvosa nos anos 1996, 1997 e 2008, utilizando armadilhas pitfall iscadas com fezes humanas. Coletamos 383 indivíduos de dez espécies, das quais seis não haviam ocorrência prévia para savanas intra-amazônicas. As espécies mais abundantes foram Ontherus appendiculatus (Mannerheim, 1829), Canthidium aff. humerale (Germar, 1813), Dichotomius nisus (Olivier, 1789) e Pseudocanthon aff. xanthurus (Blanchard, 1846). Nós acreditamos que conhecendo a diversidade de besouros associada ès savanas intra-Amazônicas se torna ideal para o entendimento da ocorrência e distribuição desses organismos em um ambiente altamente ameaçado, sendo o primeiro passo para a tomada de estratégias de conservação.

This is the first study to address the dung beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) diversity in intra-Amazonian savannahs in the state of Roraima, Brazil. Our aim was to survey the dung beetle fauna associated with these savannahs (regionally called 'lavrado'), since little is known about the dung beetles from this environment. We conducted three field samples using pitfall traps baited with human dung in savannah areas near the city of Boa Vista during the rainy seasons of 1996, 1997, and 2008. We collected 383 individuals from ten species, wherein six have no previous record in intra-Amazonian savannahs. The most abundant species were Ontherus appendiculatus (Mannerheim, 1829), Canthidium aff. humerale (Germar, 1813), Dichotomius nisus (Olivier, 1789), and Pseudocanthon aff. xanthurus (Blanchard, 1846). We believe that knowing the dung beetles diversity associated with the intra-Amazonian savannahs is ideal for understanding the occurrence and distribution of these organisms in a highly threatened environment, it thus being the first step towards conservation strategy development.

Phanaeini abrange cerca de 160 espécies pertencentes a 12 gêneros restritos ès Américas. Como a diversidade desta tribo permanece pouco conhecida em diversas regiões do Brasil, este estudo apresenta um guia de identificação das 13 espécies com registro de ocorrência no estado biologicamente rico e amplamente inexplorado de Roraima: Coprophanaeus (Coprophanaeus) abas (MacLeay, 1819), C. (C.) dardanus (MacLeay, 1819), C. (C.) gameziArnaud, 2002, C. (C.) jasius (Olivier, 1789), C. (Megaphanaeus) lancifer (Linnaeus, 1767), Oxysternon (Oxysternon) conspicillatum conspicillatum Werber, 1801, O. (O.) durantoniArnaud, 1984, O. (O.) ebeninum (Nevinson, 1890), O. (O.) festivum viridanum (Olsoufieff, 1924), O. (O.) silenus chicheryiArnaud, 2001, Phanaeus (Notiophanaeus) bispinusBates, 1868, P. (N.) bordoniArnaud, 1996 (que aqui é reportado pela primeira vez no Brasil), e Sulcophanaeus faunus (Fabricius, 1775). As espécies do gênero Dendropaemon não foram incluídas no trabalho por estarem em processo de revisão taxonômica.

Phanaeini comprises about 160 species in 12 genera restricted to the Americas. Since the diversity of this tribe remains little known in several regions of Brazil, this study presents a guide to its 13 species with presence in the biologically rich and largely unexplored state of Roraima: Coprophanaeus (Coprophanaeus) abas (MacLeay, 1819), C. (C.) dardanus (MacLeay, 1819), C. (C.) gameziArnaud, 2002, C. (C.) jasius (Olivier, 1789), C. (Megaphanaeus) lancifer (Linnaeus, 1767), Oxysternon (Oxysternon) conspicillatum conspicillatum Werber, 1801, O. (O.) durantoniArnaud, 1984, O. (O.) ebeninum (Nevinson, 1890), O. (O.) festivum viridanum (Olsoufieff, 1924), O. (O.) silenus chicheryiArnaud, 2001, Phanaeus (Notiophanaeus) bispinusBates, 1868, P. (N.) bordoniArnaud, 1996 (first record from Brazil), and Sulcophanaeus faunus (Fabricius, 1775). The species of Dendropaemon were not considered herein because the genus is presently under taxonomic revision.

Oruscatus opalescens (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Phanaeini) es un escarabajo coprófago, de distribución neotropical, que se encuentra ocasionalmente en colecciones y del cual se conoce muy poco su biología. En este estudio se reunió la información disponible sobre esta especie, a través del inventario de los ejemplares disponibles en colecciones entomológicas, incluyendo los de colecta reciente, y revisión de literatura. Se examinaron 107 ejemplares de nueve colecciones; 73 fueron de Colombia, 29 de Ecuador, y cinco de procedencia incierta. El rango altitudinal de la especie se estableció entre los 2.000 a 3.000 m, en el cual se asocia al estiércol, en especial de grandes mamíferos domésticos y silvestres.

Oruscatus opalescens (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Phanaeini), is the dung beetle species scarcely found in collections and very few is known about its biology. This study summarizes the available information about this species, through inventory of specimens in collections, including those more recently collected, and literature review. One hundred-seven specimens were found, in nine collections: 73 from Colombia, 29 from Ecuador and five of unknown origin. An altitudinal range of the species was established between 2,000 and 3,000 m, especially associated to large domestic and wild mammals.

Os besouros rola-bostas são insetos copro-necrófagos e utilizam primariamente fezes e carcaça de mamíferos como fonte de alimento e nidificação. Estes insetos são sensíveis à modificação do habitat principalmente relacionados à cobertura da vegetação. A substituição da floresta Amazônica por pastagem altera drasticamente o habitat das espécies nativas e acarreta redução da riqueza de espécies e modificação na composição das assembleias locais. O objetivo deste trabalho foi compreender os efeitos da substituição da floresta nativa por pastagem introduzida na riqueza, abundância, composição de espécies e estrutura das guildas alimentares dos besouros rola-bostas no sudoeste da Amazônia brasileira. Foram coletados 10.073 indivíduos de besouros rola-bostas pertencentes a 84 espécies e 22 gêneros. As florestas (seis fragmentos de floresta secundária) apresentaram 71 espécies em sua maioria com abundância intermediária. As pastagens (áreas vizinhas onde a floresta original foi substituída por pastagens introduzidas) apresentaram redução significativa no número de espécies, e composição de espécies diferente. Nas florestas a maioria das espécies foi considerada generalista, enquanto as pastagens apresentaram maior abundância de espécies coprófagas o que demonstra uma modificação na guilda alimentar causado pela substituição da floresta por pastagem. Entre as 30 espécies coletadas nas pastagens, doze estão presentes em vegetação aberta nativa (cerrado e chaco). Isto retrata, provavelmente, um processo de colonização regional recente. Onde espécies de besouros rola-bostas, oriundas de áreas abertas, estão invadindo as pastagens amazônicas.

The dung beetles are copro-necrophagous insects and use mainly feces and carrion of mammals as food and nesting source. These insects are sensitive to habitat modification mainly related to vegetation cover. The substitution of the Amazon forest by pasture cause drastic changes in the habitat of native species. This reduces richness and modifies assembly species composition. The aim of this work was understand the effects of substitution of native forest by pasture introduced in richness, abundance, species composition and structure of feeding guilds of dung beetle in southwestern Brazilian Amazon. A total of 10,073 individuals of dung beetles were collected, belonging to 84 species in 22 genera. Forests areas (six secondary forest fragments) had 71 species and the pastures areas (neighboring areas where original forest was substitution by introduced pasture) had significantly lower richness (30 species), and community turnover between forests and pasture was very high. In forests the majority of species were generalist, while pastures showed higher abundance of coprophagous species, which shows a change in feeding guilds caused by the substitution of forest by pasture. Among 30 species collected in pastures, twelve are present in native open vegetation too (cerrado e chaco). That represents a recent regional colonization, where species of dung beetles, coming from open areas, are invading the Amazonian pastures.