Taxonomic Studies on Dung Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Coprinae) of Dhanusha District, Nepal

Abstract

The present paper deals with 45 species of 12 genera of Coprinae under Scarabaeidae from Dhanusha district of Nepal. A check-list of 104 species under 17 genera of dung beetles is presented from Nepal. Out of 45 species, 40 species under 12 genera are recorded for the first time from Dhanusha district. One genus, Chironitis Lansberge is recorded for the first time from Nepal. Sixteen species under seven genera (Gymnopleurus parvus Macl., Catharsius birmanensis L., C. capucinus F., Copris magicus Har., C. sinicus Hope, C. repertus Walk., Phalops divisus Wied., Onthophagus tarandus F., O. sternalis Arrow, O. atropolitus d’ Orb., O. armatus Bl., O. purpurascens Bouc., O. mopsus F., O. duporti Bouc., Onitis philemon F., and Chironitis indicus Lansb) are recorded for the first time from Nepal,. Out of total 17 genera, the genus Onthophagus Latr. appears to be the most predominant in Nepal being represented by 51 species, while some of the genera Scarabaeus L., Gymnopleurus Illg., Sisyphus Latr., Heliocopris Burm., Phalops Er., and Drepanocerus Kirby appear to be extremely uncommon, each being represented by only few species. Detailed descriptions of the genera, species and keys for identifications have been given in the text along with suitable illustrations.