Boreocanthon praticola
This record describes Boreocanthon praticola (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
similar in to B. probus. B. praticola has granules of two sizes on the promotum, elytra, and pugidium, whereas B. probus has granules of one size only. Large spmns of B. practicola approach small spmns of B. ebenus in size, but B. ebenus in more coarsely granulate on the promotum. The promotum is generally roughened in a granular manner in B. practicula , but in B. ebenus each large granule is raised above the surrounding surface. ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Deltochilini
- Genus
- Boreocanthon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ‒c.TX to AB‒MB / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Nov in NE, never abundant, 12 taken in June, other months only single digit numbers of spmns. ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Life History
form balls as typical for Canthon . Gordon and Cartwright (1988) ( 6 ) reported this sp. feeding on prairie dog pellets in ND, SD and CO. They suggest that this species' food preference is for prairie dog feces and not that of bison or cattle. They suggest that praticola was the only sp. of Canthon utilizing the prairie dog feces niche. Ratcliffe and Paulsen (2008) ( 3 ) coll'ed this sp. on black-tailed prairie dog dung in several counties across NE. ( 3 ) Guy A. Hanley (2011) observed pair of B. praticola working to bury a dung ball in a ground squirrel colony. (BG data)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Boreocanthon praticola (LeConte)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Boreocanthon praticola. 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 Boreocanthon praticola (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Guy A. Hanley; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Boreocanthon praticola
What is Boreocanthon praticola?
Boreocanthon praticola is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Boreocanthon praticola?
5─10.5 mm
How do you identify Boreocanthon praticola?
similar in to B. probus. B. praticola has granules of two sizes on the promotum, elytra, and pugidium, whereas B. probus has granules of one size only. Large spmns of B. practicola approach small spmns of B. ebenus in size, but B. ebenus in more coarsely granulate on the promotum. The promotum is generally roughened in a granular manner in B. practicula , but in B. ebenus each large granule is raised above the surrounding surface. ( 3 )
Where is Boreocanthon praticola found?
Range: AZ‒c.TX to AB‒MB / Mex. - Map
When is Boreocanthon praticola active?
Boreocanthon praticola: seasonal activity - Apr-Nov in NE, never abundant, 12 taken in June, other months only single digit numbers of spmns. ( 3 ).
What is the life cycle of a Boreocanthon praticola?
form balls as typical for Canthon . Gordon and Cartwright (1988) ( 6 ) reported this sp. feeding on prairie dog pellets in ND, SD and CO. They suggest that this species' food preference is for prairie dog feces and not that of bison or cattle. They suggest that praticola was the only sp. of Canthon utilizing the prairie dog feces niche. Ratcliffe and Paulsen (2008) ( 3 ) coll'ed this sp. on black-tailed prairie dog dung in several counties across NE. ( 3 ) Guy A. Hanley (2011) observed pair of B. praticola working to bury a dung ball in a ground squirrel colony. (BG data)