Coprophanaeus pluto
This record describes Coprophanaeus pluto (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Key to adults: d'Olsoufieff (1924)
Identification notes
Key to adults: d'Olsoufieff (1924)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Phanaeini
- Genus
- Coprophanaeus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
AZ, southmost TX (Cameron & Hidaldo Co., plus singleton records from Starr & Willacy Co.) / Mex. - Map
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults typically feed on carrion
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Coprophanaeus (Coprophanaeus) pluto noguerai Arnaud, 2002
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Coprophanaeus pluto. 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 Coprophanaeus pluto (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Coprophanaeus pluto
What is Coprophanaeus pluto?
Coprophanaeus pluto is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Coprophanaeus pluto?
18-28mm
How do you identify Coprophanaeus pluto?
Key to adults: d'Olsoufieff (1924)
Where is Coprophanaeus pluto found?
Range: AZ, southmost TX (Cameron & Hidaldo Co., plus singleton records from Starr & Willacy Co.) / Mex. - Map
What does Coprophanaeus pluto eat?
The diet of the Coprophanaeus pluto includes Adults typically feed on carrion.