Sistematica e Nomenclatura degli Aphodiini Italiani (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) [Systematics and Nomenclature of Italian Aphodiini (Coleoptera Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae)]

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Language: Italian with English summary

The intricate taxonomical problems concerning the identification of Italian Aphodiini are herewith approached with an Introduction (supplying the basic criteria adopted and information on collecting methods), a chapter on morphological features relevant for identification and another one on bionomy.

The systematic portion includes redefinition of higher categories in order to give final settlement to the taxonomic rank of Aphodiini in the general system of Scarabaeoidea; a key to, and redefinitions for, the Italian genera of the Tribe are supplied (Oxyomus, Aphodius, Heptaulacus, Euheptaulacus); keys and descriptions are given for each species; the very large genus Aphodius is keyed, with redefinitions, to 47 subgenera some of which are unrepresented in Italy, but whose inclusion in the key is essential for nomenclatorial and/or identification purposes.

Species are keyed, redefined and for many of them, subgeneric status is either changed or assigned. The cumbersome and controversial field of subspecies, as well as that of "varietates", "morphae", "aberrationes"chromatic or not is given a thorough
settlement.

Nomenclatorial questions, which are particularly difficult in this group of beetles, are given an unusual emphasis with special regard to the interpretations of the various Authors compared with the regulations of the International Code. Type species of each supra specific category are indicated or, if necessary, designated.

Since the taxonomical network in Aphodiini is essentially based upon the examination of epipharyngeal structures (especially for subgenera) and of aedeagus (for species and, sometimes, for subgenera as well), many figures of epipharynx, aedeagus, habitus and other relevant parts are supplied for each species.

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