Melanocanthon nigricornis–This is the only “roller” species found during my study. The insect pictured here has noticeably longer hind legs than the tunneling or dwelling species. Nigricornis is a completely black color, and the abdomen section is about as wide as the taurus and nuchicornis (the specimen I photographed has a 5mm wide abdomen). One other thing that sets this beetle apart from the others captured is its head section; this part is much flatter and you can locate a teeth-like structure at the front. Also pictured in this photo is a sample of my labeling system. I chose to include the date collected, the specific site, the city, and the species.
Tiny Allies in the Pasture 
