Canthon vigilans
This record describes Canthon vigilans (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
eyes large (for this genus), about half as wide as long. Clypeus toothed.
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 (ON‒MA‒FL to NE‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Jul (and later?) in SC
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults associated with dung for breeding--unclear if they feed on it.
Life History
The dung ball is buried and the female oviposits on it. Adults come to lights (most Canthon do not)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Canthon vigilans LeConte 1858
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Canthon vigilans. 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 vigilans (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , nebbeetle , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Canthon vigilans
What is Canthon vigilans?
Canthon vigilans is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Canthon vigilans?
13‒20 mm
How do you identify Canthon vigilans?
eyes large (for this genus), about half as wide as long. Clypeus toothed.
Where is Canthon vigilans found?
Range: e. US (ON‒MA‒FL to NE‒TX)
What does Canthon vigilans eat?
The diet of the Canthon vigilans includes Adults associated with dung for breeding--unclear if they feed on it..
When is Canthon vigilans active?
Canthon vigilans: seasonal activity - Mar‒Jul (and later?) in SC.
What is the life cycle of a Canthon vigilans?
The dung ball is buried and the female oviposits on it. Adults come to lights (most Canthon do not)