Ultraconserved elements support a new tribal‐level classification for Australasian endemic dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae)

The historical classification of dung beetles (subfamily Scarabaeinae) based on classical morphology has been repeatedly shown to be artificial due to widespread homoplasy. Previous attempts to revise, redefine and stabilize the classification within a molecular phylogenetic framework resulted in 101 genera treated as incertae sedis. Among these unplaced taxa are all genera endemic to Australia, New Guinea, New Caledonia and New Zealand. Here we examine tribal classifications among the subfamily Scarabaeinae based on ultraconserved elements (UCEs), with a targeted sampling aimed at examining systematic relationships of the Australasian endemic genera that, until now, have remained poorly supported. On the basis of these results, we reinstate a tribal name previously synonymous with Deltochilini. Mentophilini Lacordaire stat. rest. and sensu n . includes 31 genera endemic to Australasia. Additionally, a new tribe is proposed for a distinct lineage that is supported by both morphology and phylogeny. Boletoscapterini trib. n . consists of a single Australian genus, Boletoscapter Matthews. We discuss the validity of the tribe Epilissini and recommend not recognizing the tribe until future revisionary work redefines the distinct clades. Following these taxonomic changes, 23 tribes within Scarabaeinae are recognized as valid and 47 scarabaeine genera remain unplaced.