Polyphyly in the Geotrupidae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea): a case for a new family

Based on a review of 30 phylogenetically important adult and larval characters, the subfamily Bolboceratinae was found to be morphologically uniquely different from the other subfamilies of the Geotrupidae. Furthermore, it does not share any demonstrable apomorphs with any other member of the family nor with any other group of Scarabaeoidea. Since the subfamily cannot be accommodated in an existing higher taxon we propose that the monophyletic subfamily Bolboceratinae be accorded family status.