Anoplognatho dunnianus
This record describes Anoplognatho dunnianus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance

Antenna with 9 segments but can appear to have 10 because sometimes the 5th segment is subdivided. It can be difficult to spot so be careful and check other generic characters. Mandibles are large and semicircularly rounded.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dynastinae
- Tribe
- Pentodontini
- Genus
- Anoplognatho
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Oak and juniper woodlands and mesquite bosque. Adults can often be found walking on the ground or burrowing after the first summer rains. They are attracted to lights.
Geographic Range
AZ to sw TX (Del Rio) / Sonora and Durango, Mex. - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Anoplognatho dunnianus Rivers 1888
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anoplognatho dunnianus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Anoplognatho dunnianus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Anoplognatho dunnianus
What is Anoplognatho dunnianus?
Anoplognatho dunnianus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Anoplognatho dunnianus?
20.7-29.0mm
How do you identify Anoplognatho dunnianus?
Antenna with 9 segments but can appear to have 10 because sometimes the 5th segment is subdivided. It can be difficult to spot so be careful and check other generic characters. Mandibles are large and semicircularly rounded.
Where is Anoplognatho dunnianus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Oak and juniper woodlands and mesquite bosque. Adults can often be found walking on the ground or burrowing after the first summer rains. They are attracted to lights. |
| Range | AZ to sw TX (Del Rio) / Sonora and Durango, Mex. - Map |
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