Deltochilum scabriusculum
This record describes Deltochilum scabriusculum (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
First U.S. report of this sp. appears to be from Leng (1920) who cites Tex as the range of the species. ( 6 ) Texas considers this to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) ( 7 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Deltochilini
- Genus
- Deltochilum
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to Costa Rica - Map (Howden 1966) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June, September, October. June through November in Mexico
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Deltochilum species appear to be general scavengers of dung and carrion (Halffter & Matthews 1966).
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Deltochilum scabriusculum Bates 1887
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Deltochilum scabriusculum. 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 Deltochilum scabriusculum (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Deltochilum scabriusculum
What is Deltochilum scabriusculum?
Deltochilum scabriusculum is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Deltochilum scabriusculum?
20-24 mm long, and 15.5 mm wide ( 3 )
Where is Deltochilum scabriusculum found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron Co.) to Costa Rica - Map (Howden 1966) ( 4 ) ( 5 )
When is Deltochilum scabriusculum active?
Deltochilum scabriusculum: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June, September, October. June through November in Mexico.
What is the life cycle of a Deltochilum scabriusculum?
Deltochilum species appear to be general scavengers of dung and carrion (Halffter & Matthews 1966).