ColeopteraScarabaeidae – Scarab Beetles

Anoplognatho dunnianus

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

Identification and Appearance

Anoplognatho dunnianus - Anoplognatho dunnianus
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov

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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Anoplognatho dunnianus (5)

Anoplognatho dunnianus - photo 1
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Anoplognatho dunnianus - photo 2
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Anoplognatho dunnianus - photo 3
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Anoplognatho dunnianus - photo 4
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov
Anoplognatho dunnianus - photo 5
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov

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?
FeatureDetails
HabitatOak 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.
RangeAZ to sw TX (Del Rio) / Sonora and Durango, Mex. - Map

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , jahansen , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.