ColeopteraGeotrupidae – Earth-Boring Scarab Beetles2 data sources

Bolbocerosoma confusum

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

Identification and Appearance

Bolbocerosoma confusum - Bolbocerosoma confusum
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Elytral spot almost twice as long as wide; basal black border of pronotum not projecting forward at midline; pronotal declivity with at least the apical two-thirds coarsely punctate

Wikipedia reference for Bolbocerosoma confusum: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bolbocerosoma_confusum.

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

Geographic Range

c.US (IL‒IA to LA‒TX)

Seasonal Activity

most active in the fall ; shows up at porch lights throughout winter in e.-c.TX (=v=)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Bolbocerosoma confusum Brown 1928

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bolbocerosoma confusum. 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 confusum (3)

Bolbocerosoma confusum - photo 1
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Bolbocerosoma confusum - photo 2
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Bolbocerosoma confusum - photo 3
Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Bolbocerosoma confusum

What is Bolbocerosoma confusum?

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

How big is Bolbocerosoma confusum?

10‒12 mm

How do you identify Bolbocerosoma confusum?

Elytral spot almost twice as long as wide; basal black border of pronotum not projecting forward at midline; pronotal declivity with at least the apical two-thirds coarsely punctate

Where is Bolbocerosoma confusum found?

Range: c.US (IL‒IA to LA‒TX)

When is Bolbocerosoma confusum active?

Bolbocerosoma confusum: seasonal activity - most active in the fall ; shows up at porch lights throughout winter in e.-c.TX (=v=).

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

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