Cryptoscatomaseter salsburyi
This record describes Cryptoscatomaseter salsburyi (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aphodiinae
- Tribe
- Aphodiini
- Genus
- Cryptoscatomaseter
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
NE-TX - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
found in burrows of pocket gophers ( Geomys spp.) in Texas and Nebraska, and in burrows of prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) in southern Kansas.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: named for Glenn Salsbury, a long time colleague, excellent beetle collector, and collector of some of the paratypes.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Cryptoscatomaseter salsburyi. 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 Cryptoscatomaseter salsburyi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Cryptoscatomaseter salsburyi
How big is Cryptoscatomaseter salsburyi?
5.5-6.0 mm
Where is Cryptoscatomaseter salsburyi found?
Range: NE-TX - Map
What is the life cycle of a Cryptoscatomaseter salsburyi?
found in burrows of pocket gophers ( Geomys spp.) in Texas and Nebraska, and in burrows of prairie dogs ( Cynomys ludovicianus ) in southern Kansas.