Dichelonyx linearis
This record describes Dichelonyx linearis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Morphological differences between D. linearis and D. elongatulus are not well defined. Brown (1946) ( 3 ) species concepts and geographic ranges are followed here: D. linearis occurs inland; D. elongatulus , in coastal areas (roughly the Maritimes through to New England).
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Dichelonychini
- Genus
- Dichelonyx
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
QC‒GA to MB‒OK
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults feed on conifers and hardwoods, occasionally damaging ornamental trees and shrubs ( 5 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dichelonyx linearis (Gyllenhal 1817)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dichelonyx linearis. 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 Dichelonyx linearis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Marci Hess , Andrew Smith
Frequently Asked Questions About Dichelonyx linearis
What is Dichelonyx linearis?
Dichelonyx linearis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dichelonyx linearis?
8.0‒10.8 mm
How do you identify Dichelonyx linearis?
Morphological differences between D. linearis and D. elongatulus are not well defined. Brown (1946) ( 3 ) species concepts and geographic ranges are followed here: D. linearis occurs inland; D. elongatulus , in coastal areas (roughly the Maritimes through to New England).
Where is Dichelonyx linearis found?
Range: QC‒GA to MB‒OK
What does Dichelonyx linearis eat?
The diet of the Dichelonyx linearis includes Adults feed on conifers and hardwoods, occasionally damaging ornamental trees and shrubs ( 5 ).