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Alloblackburneus fordi (Gordan, 1974)
Ford's Aphodius Scarab Beetle
Federal Protection: No US federal protection
State Protection: No Georgia state protection
Global Rank: G1G3
State Rank: S1S3
Element Locations Tracked in Biotics: Yes
SWAP 2015 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): No
SWAP 2025 Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN): Yes
2025 SGCN Priority Tier: High Conservation Concern
Element Occurrences (EOs) in Georgia: 4
Habitat Summary for element in Georgia: Terrestrial dung feeder
Alloblackburneus fordi is a small beetle (3.0 – 3.5mm) that is elongated and somewhat flattened in form. The head and pronotum of A. fordi are slightly shiny but the elytra are dull. The head is blackish in the center and a reddish-brown towards the sides. The elytra are a dark yellowish-brown and the ventral side of the beetle is a lighter yellowish-brown. The elytra also possess rows of setae atop small tubercles (1,2).
Alloblacburneus is a widely distributed genus found in the Nearctic, Neotropics, and Afrotropics. Alloblacburneus species are typically associated with mammal host, however, some species are found in tortoise burrows. This genus contains small beetles (2.5 – 5.0mm) typically reddish-brown and slightly shiny with some species elytra covered in pubescent hairs (1).
This species is thought to be associated with some type of burrowing rodent; however, further surveys are needed (2).
A. fordi is a dung beetle, it most likely consumes the feces of its host; however, further surveys are needed.
Collection records indicated adult A. fordi are active in spring and summer. Specimens were collected at a light (1,2).
This is an extremely rare species; further surveys of Georgia’s coastal islands are recommended to find potential populations
This species has been observed on Georgia coastal islands, Jekyll, Sapelo, and Little Cumberland islands (1,2). Further surveys are needed.
Unknown
| Threat 1 | Threat 2 | Threat 3 | |
|---|---|---|---|
| General Threat | Climate change & severe weather | Residential & commercial development | None |
| Specific Threat | Habitat shifting & alteration | Housing & urban areas | None |
Incomplete data
Association with a host(s) is needed to determine the appropriated conservation methods.
1. Dellacasa, M., Dellacasa, G., & Gordon, R. D. (2011). Systematic revision of the American taxa belonging to the genera Alloblackburneus Bordat, 2009, and Blackburneus Schmidt, 1913, with description of seven new species (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae). Insecta Mundi 0204: 1-52.
2. Gordon, R. D. (1974). Studies on the Genus Aphodius of the United States and Canada (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). II. A new Species from Georgia. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 76, 455 – 458.
3. Gordon, R. D. (1983). Studies on the genus Aphodius of the United States and Canada (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). VII: Food and habitat; distribution; key to eastern species. Proceedings of the Entomological Society of Washington, 85(4), 633 – 652.
Yelena Pacheco
May 18, 2020