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

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.
Photos of Bolbocerosoma biplagiatum (5)
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?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | in pastures and old sandy roads |
| Range | n. 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..
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