Anoplotrupes stercorosus
This record describes Anoplotrupes stercorosus (species). Recorded family: Geotrupidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
12 to 19 mm. A short-oval and very convex species, the dorsal surface is black with a distinct metallic blue reflection and the ventral surface is bright metallic blue. Unless identified by a recognised expert, a photo is required. If the photo doesn't show the key ID features then in the comments box describe the size and identifying characters you have observed. Most frequent in damp, deciduous and mixed woodlands. March to autumn with peaks of activity in late spring and late summer. Adults fly around twilight and may be seen flying low over dung pasture, moorland or around woodland. Adults appear early in the year after overwintering in their brood burrows, they feed and mate in the spring and females burrow to a depth of 30cm, depending on soil type, beneath herbivore dung and oviposit within dung pellets placed in brood chambers. Widespread throughout most of the UK, and particularly well recorded in the north and west of Britain. No additional images available for this species.
Wikipedia reference for Anoplotrupes stercorosus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Anoplotrupes_stercorosus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Geotrupidae
- Genus
- Anoplotrupes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Most frequent in damp, deciduous and mixed woodlands.
Seasonal Activity
March to autumn with peaks of activity in late spring and late summer. Adults fly around twilight and may be seen flying low over dung pasture, moorland or around woodland.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults appear early in the year after overwintering in their brood burrows, they feed and mate in the spring and females burrow to a depth of 30cm, depending on soil type, beneath herbivore dung and oviposit within dung pellets placed in brood chambers.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread throughout most of the UK, and particularly well recorded in the north and west of Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Anoplotrupes stercorosus. 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 Anoplotrupes stercorosus (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Anoplotrupes stercorosus
What is Anoplotrupes stercorosus?
Anoplotrupes stercorosus is a species in the family Geotrupidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Anoplotrupes stercorosus found?
Habitat: Most frequent in damp, deciduous and mixed woodlands.
When is Anoplotrupes stercorosus active?
Anoplotrupes stercorosus: seasonal activity - March to autumn with peaks of activity in late spring and late summer. Adults fly around twilight and may be seen flying low over dung pasture, moorland or around woodland..
What is the life cycle of a Anoplotrupes stercorosus?
Adults appear early in the year after overwintering in their brood burrows, they feed and mate in the spring and females burrow to a depth of 30cm, depending on soil type, beneath herbivore dung and oviposit within dung pellets placed in brood chambers.