Shining Ball Scarab Beetle
Ceratocanthus aeneus
This record describes Ceratocanthus aeneus (species). Recorded family: Hybosoridae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Riley & Wolfe (2003) examined one specimen from Sabine County taken in a malaise trap during July. This record extends the known range of this uncommon southeastern United States species to near its hypothetical western limit. ( 3 ) Most records seem to be beating trees and grape vines, UV light, and Lindgren funnels. Dave Almquist collected a series in Gainesville, Florida, using a near-canopy level window trap.
Wikipedia reference for Ceratocanthus aeneus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ceratocanthus_aeneus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Hybosoridae (Scavenger Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ceratocanthinae
- Genus
- Ceratocanthus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Adults have been found on trees, freshly felled logs, and grape vines. "Skip" Choate found multiple life stages of this species in a tree hole.
Geographic Range
se. US (TX-FL-VA-KY) (BG data)
Seasonal Activity
May-June (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: The gut contents of one dissected specimen from Gainesville, Florida, had identifiable structures from microscopic fungi that grow on tree bark (Almquist, pers. obs.).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: aeneus (L). 'bronze'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ceratocanthus aeneus. 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 Shining Ball Scarab Beetle (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Dave Almquist
Frequently Asked Questions About Shining Ball Scarab Beetle
What is Shining Ball Scarab Beetle?
Shining Ball Scarab Beetle (Ceratocanthus aeneus) is a species in the family Hybosoridae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Shining Ball Scarab Beetle?
~7 mm (not rolled up)
Where is Shining Ball Scarab Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Adults have been found on trees, freshly felled logs, and grape vines. Skip Choate found multiple life stages of this species in a tree hole. |
| Range | se. US (TX-FL-VA-KY) (BG data) |
What does Shining Ball Scarab Beetle eat?
The diet of the Shining Ball Scarab Beetle includes The gut contents of one dissected specimen from Gainesville, Florida, had identifiable structures from microscopic fungi that grow on tree bark (Almquist, pers. obs.)..
When is Shining Ball Scarab Beetle active?
Shining Ball Scarab Beetle: seasonal activity - May-June (BG data).