Klimaszewski, J., C.G. Majka & D. Langor. 2006. Review of the North American Tarphiota Casey, with a description of a new seashore-inhabiting Atheta species exhibiting convergent characteristics (Coleoptera: Aleocharine). Entomological Science 9: 67-78.

Extract, p.73 (regarding Atheta novaescotiae - 863 specimens were collected by Z. Lucas in summer 2004):  “On Sable Island the species is very abundant in this zone, congregating particularly on dead seabirds (gulls, terns, alcids, and others), on decomposing seaweed, and on bones and decomposing tissue of gray seals (Halichoerus grypus (Fabricius)), which have been deposited by wave and tidal action on the strandline at the upper end of the littoral zone.” ... “Additionally, on Sable Island A. novaescotiae is found in substantial numbers on horse dung when it is deposited on the beach (Sable Island has a population of wild horses that varies from 200 to 350 individuals). Collections of Coleoptera on horse dung slightly further inland from the coast (Sable Island is less than 1.5 km wide) did not include specimens of A. novaescotiae, indicating their close association with the seashore environment.”