Bradycinetulus ferrugineus
This record describes Bradycinetulus ferrugineus (species). Recorded family: Geotrupidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Purportedly attracted to light, but I can't confirm that*. On the other hand, I've dug up MANY in burrows that are often 2-3 feet deep. Can be locally very abundant. P.H. *in June 2021, I collected one at a MV/UV light sheet in southern Georgia, as confirmation of it being attracted to light (Robert Androw)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Geotrupidae (Earth-Boring Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bolboceratinae
- Genus
- Bradycinetulus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Deep sand locales
Geographic Range
SE Virginia, through Florida and Mississippi
Seasonal Activity
In SC, most often seen in May-June and again in late August-September - after a good rain
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Presumably detritus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Bradycinetulus ferrugineus (Palisot de Beauvois, 1809); ferrugineus is Latin for "rusty"
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Bradycinetulus ferrugineus. 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 Bradycinetulus ferrugineus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Chuck Entz , bandrow
Frequently Asked Questions About Bradycinetulus ferrugineus
What is Bradycinetulus ferrugineus?
Bradycinetulus ferrugineus is a species in the family Geotrupidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Bradycinetulus ferrugineus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Deep sand locales |
| Range | SE Virginia, through Florida and Mississippi |
What does Bradycinetulus ferrugineus eat?
The diet of the Bradycinetulus ferrugineus includes Presumably detritus.
When is Bradycinetulus ferrugineus active?
Bradycinetulus ferrugineus: seasonal activity - In SC, most often seen in May-June and again in late August-September - after a good rain.