ColeopteraScarabaeidae – Scarab Beetles

Cremastocheilus mexicanus

This record describes Cremastocheilus mexicanus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Cremastocheilus mexicanus - Cremastocheilus mexicanus
Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Scarabaeoidea
Family
Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
Subfamily
Cetoniinae
Tribe
Cremastocheilini
Genus
Cremastocheilus (Anteater Scarabs)

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

AZ-TX (+?) / Mex. ,

Diet and Behavior

Life History

Found with Formica sp. ants under rock in AZ (BG data)

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Cremastocheilus mexicanus Schaum 1841

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cremastocheilus mexicanus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Cremastocheilus mexicanus (2)

Cremastocheilus mexicanus - photo 1
Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Cremastocheilus mexicanus - photo 2
Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Cremastocheilus mexicanus

How big is Cremastocheilus mexicanus?

13 mm (BG data)

Where is Cremastocheilus mexicanus found?

Range: AZ-TX (+?) / Mex. ,

What is the life cycle of a Cremastocheilus mexicanus?

Found with Formica sp. ants under rock in AZ (BG data)

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Jeff Gruber; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.