Canthon pilularius
This record describes Canthon pilularius (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
generally dull black, southern specimens often green. narrow eyes, shallow clypeal emargination, and the two sizes of granule on the body surface will serve to separate this sp. from other Canthon spp. in NE det. D.Edmonds 2024: 'eyes small, and obvious granulation on prontum' not attracted to lights
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
e.US to AB
Seasonal Activity
Apr‒Oct in SC , Apr‒Sep in NE
Diet and Behavior
Diet: dung from cattle, horses, and sheep usually prefered
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Canthon pilularius (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Canthon pilularius. 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 pilularius (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Canthon pilularius
What is Canthon pilularius?
Canthon pilularius is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Canthon pilularius?
11‒19 mm
How do you identify Canthon pilularius?
generally dull black, southern specimens often green. narrow eyes, shallow clypeal emargination, and the two sizes of granule on the body surface will serve to separate this sp. from other Canthon spp. in NE det. D.Edmonds 2024: 'eyes small, and obvious granulation on prontum'
Where is Canthon pilularius found?
Range: e.US to AB
What does Canthon pilularius eat?
The diet of the Canthon pilularius includes dung from cattle, horses, and sheep usually prefered.
When is Canthon pilularius active?
Canthon pilularius: seasonal activity - Apr‒Oct in SC , Apr‒Sep in NE.