Contact us Report abuse

International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature

Home » Cases » All Cases

Cases

Case 3722

Overview

Case 3722: Scarabaeus gazella Fabricius, 1787 (currently Digitonthophagus gazella or Onthophagus gazella; Insecta, Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae): proposed conservation of usage of the specific name by designation of a neotype

Status of Case:Resolved (Opinion Issued)
Date Published:08/2017
Authors: Génier, F., Krell, F.
Volume and Issue:74/1
Pagination:
Keywords: Afrotropical, biological control of dung, Digitonthophagus, dung beetle, Nomenclature, Onthophagus, Onthophagus gazella, pasture improvement, Recent, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae, taxonomy
Taxonomic Group(s): Coleoptera, Insecta, Scarabaeoidea
Abstract:

The purpose of this application, under Article 75.6 of the Code, is to conserve the specific name Digitonthophagus gazella (Fabricius, 1787) for a common African species of dung beetle (also known as Onthophagus gazella) that was successfully introduced into multiple areas all over the world. The species is of high economic importance as it is used as a biological control agent of pest flies and provides ecological services through the rapid burial of cattle dung. Scarabaeus gazella Fabricius, 1787 is a junior synonym of Scarabaeus catta Fabricius, 1787, now known as Digitonthophagus catta. If the principle of priority is applied, the name of the widely distributed species, would be Scarabaeus dorcas Olivier, 1789, a name that has been considered a junior synonym of Scarabaeus gazella/Scarabaeus catta since 1833. We propose to conserve the name Digitonthophagus gazella (Fabricius, 1787) for the widely introduced species through the designation of a neotype from voucher material of the original introduction into Hawaii. All feedback received from colleagues was supportive for the proposed designation of a neotype in order to maintain prevailing usage of the name D. gazella.

Full Text:

https://doi.org/10.21805/bzn.v74.a021

External Links: Google Scholar BibTex XML RIS

Opinions

Opinion 2457: Scarabaeus gazella Fabricius, 1787 (currently Digitonthophagus gazella or Onthophagus gazella; Insecta, Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae): neotype designated
Status of Case:
Date Published:07/2020
Authors: ICZN
Volume and Issue:77/
Pagination:
Keywords: Nomenclature, taxonomy, Scarabaeidae, Scarabaeinae, Onthophagus, Digitonthophagus, Onthophagus gazella, dung beetle, Recent, Afrotropical, biological control of dung, pasture improvement
Taxonomic Group(s):
Abstract:

The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature has used its plenary power to conserve the specific name of Scarabaeus gazella Fabricius, 1787 by designating a neotype.

Full Text:

https://doi.org/10.21805/bzn.v77.a031

External Links: Google Scholar BibTex XML RIS

For further information, please contact us.

LKCNHM logo

ICZN is supported by the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum, National University of Singapore (Company Registration No. 200604346E).
ICZN is an Associate Participant to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility (GBIF) & a Scientific Member of the International Union of Biological Science (IUBS).
Correspondence to the ICZN should be directed to the Secretary (iczn@nus.edu.sg / +65 6518 8364).

Creative Commons Licence

Except where otherwise noted, content on this site is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution CC BY Licence.