Abstract:
The taxonomic history of Scarabaeini, and the morphological
and biological features characteristic of members of this
tribe, is discussed. Each subtribe of Scarabaeini is briefly
reviewed, and a key to the subtribes is provided. The subtribe Scarabaeina is more fully discussed prior to its sys=
tematic assessment.
A new flightless species, Scarabaeus scholtzi spec. nov. is
described, and the taxonomic position of the flightless species within Scarabaeina is evaluated. It is concluded that
these species do not represent one or more monophyletic groups,
but are the consequence of adaptation by species of Scarabaeus.
to localised conditions of extreme aridity and, possibly, windi=
ness. The genera Pachysoma M'Leay and Neomnematium Janssens,
in which the flightless species are contained, are consequently
synonymised with Scarabaeus L.
The validity of the genera Mnematidium Ritsema, Neateuchus
Gillet and Madateuchus Paulian is assessed. As no definitive
autopomorph could be found for each of these genera, they are
synonymised with Scarabaeus L.
The genus Pachylomera Kirby is emended to Pachylomerus Bertoloni.
The genera of Scarabaeina, as redefined in this work, are
reviewed and a key to these genera is provided. A phylogeny
and classification of the genera is proposed, based largely
on cladistic principles.
The thesis is illustrated with 169 photographs, drawings and
maps.
