A genus of small beetles, typically brown or black, that feed on dung and live in soil, helping to decompose organic matter and enrich soil.
From Greek elements of unclear etymology, possibly 'apo-' (away from) or an invented scientific name. Established as formal genus classification by entomologists in the 18th century.
There are over 600 species of Aphodius beetles worldwide, and they're so efficient at their job that some insects spend their entire lives following large animals just to access their droppings!
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