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Hello Gateside,

I think that photo comparison is helpful but not accurate. We cannot see the katepisternals or the prosternum. I don't think that the eyes are any more or less hairy than lardarius or meridionalis - which also have posterior bristles on the mid tibia. According to Hennig, hirticrus is similar to lardarius. Personally, i would use a cf in this situation (a few blurry photos and no specimen.)

I'm just offering my opinion. I hope that you are not offended. I cannot see enough evidence to bring it to a species level. I'm not an expert or a specialist either but i would prefer the opinion of an expert or specialist, or having genitalia, before dropping a cf. I'm not convinced. You should collect a specimen to be certain of the species. I also do not read anything about a preference for particular cattle dung.

Maybe you are correct but i cannot see enough evidence.

I hope that you have a pleasant day.