The polygonal microreticulation of the cuticular surface found in most Insecta and ''Myriapoda'', in some Crustacea and even in the Loricifera is considered the basic cuticular surface pattern for all arthropodal, i.e. chitinous cuticulae for morphogenetic reasons. It is based on the economic close packing pattern of epidermal cells. The reticulation can be modified to an alveolate pattern by buckling the polygon surfaces possibly caused by the non-tensed epidermis during the deposition of the epicuticula. The elytra of different specimens of Aphodius (Nialus) varians Duftschmid (Insecta: Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) show the reticulate pattern, the alveolate pattern and many transitional forms. Hence, the surface microsculpture is not constant within one species. Considering morphological and ecological results, the extreme alveolate form, Aphodius (Nialus) venyigei Endrodi, is downgraded to a morph of A. varians. Additionally, the first record of Aphodius (Melinopterus) reyi Reitter for Greece is given.