Bolbocerosoma tumefactum
This record describes Bolbocerosoma tumefactum (species). Recorded family: Geotrupidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Orange-brown with dark markings. Note medial dark spot on pronotum, often merging with basal band.
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
Eastern United States: New York to Georgia, west to Ohio, Tennessee.
Seasonal Activity
June-October (South Carolina). May-September (North Carolina).
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bolbocerosoma tumefactum. 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 tumefactum (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Russell Rogers
Frequently Asked Questions About Bolbocerosoma tumefactum
What is Bolbocerosoma tumefactum?
Bolbocerosoma tumefactum is a species in the family Geotrupidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Bolbocerosoma tumefactum?
8-11 mm
How do you identify Bolbocerosoma tumefactum?
Orange-brown with dark markings. Note medial dark spot on pronotum, often merging with basal band.
Where is Bolbocerosoma tumefactum found?
Range: Eastern United States: New York to Georgia, west to Ohio, Tennessee.
When is Bolbocerosoma tumefactum active?
Bolbocerosoma tumefactum: seasonal activity - June-October (South Carolina). May-September (North Carolina)..