ABSTRACT
The monospecific subgenus Dichotomius (Homocanthonides) is revised and its single species, Dichotomius (H.) smaragdinus (Perty, 1830Perty, J.A.M., 1830. De Insectorum in America Meridionali habitantium vitae genere, moribus ac distributione geographica, observationes nonnulae. In: Spix, J., Martius, C. (Eds.), Delectus animalium articulatorum, quae in itinere per Brasiliam annis MDCCCXVII-MDCCCXX jussu et auspiciis Maximiliani Josephi I. Bavariae regis augustissimi peracto collegerunt Dr. J. B. de Spix, et Dr. C. F. Ph. de Martius. Digessit, descripsit, pingenda curavit Dr. Maximilianus Perty, praefatus est edidit Carol. Frederic. Philip. de Martius, accedit dissertatio de insectorum in America Meridionali habitantum vitae genere, moribus et distributione geographica. (fasc. 1). Frid. Fleischer, Monachii, pp. 1–44.) 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.
Keywords:
Brazilian Cerrado; Dung beetles; Morphological variation; Taxonomy
