Copris howdeni
This record describes Copris howdeni (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
males hornless; elytral intervals flat, more densely punctate than in C. fricator (punctures separated by about their diameter) Mostly collected at lights
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Coprini
- Genus
- Copris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Coastal plain
Geographic Range
VA‒FL
Seasonal Activity
May‒Jun in SC, winter‒spring in FL
Diet and Behavior
Diet: reported from deer dung in Florida keys
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Copris howdeni Matthews & Halffter 1959
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Copris howdeni. 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 Copris howdeni (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by ADeczynski; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Copris howdeni
What is Copris howdeni?
Copris howdeni is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Copris howdeni?
13‒15 mm
How do you identify Copris howdeni?
males hornless; elytral intervals flat, more densely punctate than in C. fricator (punctures separated by about their diameter)
Where is Copris howdeni found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Coastal plain |
| Range | VA‒FL |
What does Copris howdeni eat?
The diet of the Copris howdeni includes reported from deer dung in Florida keys.
When is Copris howdeni active?
Copris howdeni: seasonal activity - May‒Jun in SC, winter‒spring in FL.