ColeopteraGeotrupidae – Earth-Boring Scarab Beetles

Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum

This record describes Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum (species). Recorded family: Geotrupidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum - Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum
Contributed by Mike Quinn

last couplet in Howden: Elytral spot almost circular; black border at posterior of pronotum usually extended forward at the midline, making a spikelike pattern; pronotal declivity coarsely punctate only in apical half. Variation in the specimens examined is slight. The species can be easily distinguished by the almost circular postmedian elytral spot, the median dentiform point of the black border of posterior pronotal margin. occasionally collected at light

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Scarabaeoidea
Family
Geotrupidae (Earth-Boring Scarab Beetles)
Subfamily
Bolboceratinae
Genus
Bolbocerosoma

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

in pastures and old sandy roads

Geographic Range

n. TX to s. NE, WI - Map

Seasonal Activity

May-Oct. At no time are they common, but appear to be more numerous in the fall.

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum Dawson and McCollock, 1924

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum. 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 Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum (5)

Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum - photo 4
Contributed by Mike Quinn
Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum - photo 5
Contributed by Mike Quinn

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn

Frequently Asked Questions About Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum

What is Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum?

Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum is a species in the family Geotrupidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum?

Length 8.5 to 13.5 mm

How do you identify Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum?

last couplet in Howden: Elytral spot almost circular; black border at posterior of pronotum usually extended forward at the midline, making a spikelike pattern; pronotal declivity coarsely punctate only in apical half. Variation in the specimens examined is slight. The species can be easily distinguished by the almost circular postmedian elytral spot, the median dentiform point of the black border of posterior pronotal margin.

Where is Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum found?
FeatureDetails
Habitatin pastures and old sandy roads
Rangen. TX to s. NE, WI - Map
When is Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum active?

Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum: seasonal activity - May-Oct. At no time are they common, but appear to be more numerous in the fall..

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

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.