Case 3590ScarabaeusLinnaeus, 1758,DynastesMacLeay, 1819, scarabaeinae Latreille, 1802, and dynastinae MacLeay, 1819 (Insecta, Coleoptera, scarabaeoidea): proposed conservation of usage

Abstract

The purpose of this application, under Articles 65.2.2 and 70.2 of the Code, is to conserve the usage of the widely used names Scarabaeus Linnaeus, 1758 for a dung roller beetle, scarabaeinae Latreille, 1802 for the dung beetles subfamily, Dynastes MacLeay, 1819 for the hercules beetles genus, and dynastinae MacLeay, 1819, for the rhinoceros beetles subfamily. The current usage of these names is threatened by the overlooked type species designation of Scarabaeus hercules Linnaeus, 1758 (currently Dynastes hercules) for Scarabaeus by Lamarck in Jolyclerc, 1807b. Lamarck's designation would transfer the name Scarabaeus from the widely known dung roller beetles to hercules beetles (currently Dynastes) and the family-group name scarabaeinae from the dung beetles to the rhinoceros beetles (currently dynastinae). lt is proposed to set aside all type species fixations for Scarabaeus before Hope's designation (1837) of Scarabaeus sacer Linnaeus, 1758, which would maintain the current usage of all names involved.