Canthon floridanus
This record describes Canthon floridanus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Dorsum with intense purpleblue sheen; clypeal edge slightly sinuate on each side of anterior rounded clypeal teeth, median emargination acutely angular and arcuate; elytral granulation finer and flatter; metatarsus with a single row of setae along ventral edge of tarsomeres 2–5
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Deltochilini
- Genus
- Canthon (Tumblebugs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (se.AZ to c.TX) to c. Mexico
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Canthon floridanus. 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 Canthon floridanus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Canthon floridanus
What is Canthon floridanus?
Canthon floridanus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Canthon floridanus?
Dorsum with intense purpleblue sheen; clypeal edge slightly sinuate on each side of anterior rounded clypeal teeth, median emargination acutely angular and arcuate; elytral granulation finer and flatter; metatarsus with a single row of setae along ventral edge of tarsomeres 2–5
Where is Canthon floridanus found?
Range: sw US (se.AZ to c.TX) to c. Mexico