Revision of Sceliages Westwood, a millipede-eating genus of southern African dung beetles (Coleoptera : Scarabaeidae)

Abstract

The genus Sceliages Westwood (Scarabaeinae : Scarabaeini) from southern Africa is revised. Seven species are recognised: Sc. granulatus, sp. nov. (Botswana, South Africa), Sc. augias Gillet (Angola, Democratic Republic of Congo, Zambia), Sc. adamastor (Le Peletier de Saint-Fargeau & Serville) (South Africa), Sc. brittoni zur Strassen (South Africa), Sc. difficilis zur Strassen (South Africa, Zimbabwe), Sc. gagates Shipp (South Africa, Moçambique) and Sc. hippias Westwood (South Africa). The new species is described and the others are redescribed. Neotypes are assigned to Sc. adamastor and Sc. gagates. A key to the species is provided and male genitalia and other diagnostic characters are illustrated. A phylogenetic analysis of the genus is presented. Distribution maps of all species are provided. Mature larvae of Sc. hippias are described, the first for the genus. They can be distinguished from other Scarabaeinae larvae by a markedly reduced torma on the epipharynx and complete absence of hypopharyngeal sclerites (oncyli). Millipede relocation and burial behaviour of the adults of Sc. hippias and Sc. adamastor are described. We also provide descriptions of the brood chamber and brood balls of Sc. hippias.