Dinacoma caseyi
This record describes Dinacoma caseyi (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
First collected in the City of Palm Springs, California, in 1916, and was later described by Blaisdell on California's Special Animals List.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Melolonthini
- Genus
- Dinacoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Only known population occurs within the Palm Canyon Wash area in the southern part of the City of Palm Springs, Riverside County, California. The species is believed to occupy less than 800 acres of land. - FWS
Seasonal Activity
Emerge from underground burrows sometime between late March and early June, with abundance peaks generally occurring in April and May. - FWS
Diet and Behavior
Diet: This scarab is associated with what is probably its larval food plant, burrobrush - Hymenoclea salsola Gray. (Strei 2009)
Life History
Females are always observed on the ground and are considered flightless. Males are reported to fly back and forth or crawl on the ground where a female beetle has been detected. After mating, females return to their burrows or dig a new burrow and deposit eggs. - FWS
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dinacoma caseyi Blaisdell, 1930
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dinacoma caseyi. 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 Dinacoma caseyi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Dinacoma caseyi
What is Dinacoma caseyi?
Dinacoma caseyi is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dinacoma caseyi?
1.4 to 1.8 cm long
Where is Dinacoma caseyi found?
Range: Only known population occurs within the Palm Canyon Wash area in the southern part of the City of Palm Springs, Riverside County, California. The species is believed to occupy less than 800 acres of land. - FWS
What does Dinacoma caseyi eat?
The diet of the Dinacoma caseyi includes This scarab is associated with what is probably its larval food plant, burrobrush - Hymenoclea salsola Gray. (Strei 2009).
When is Dinacoma caseyi active?
Dinacoma caseyi: seasonal activity - Emerge from underground burrows sometime between late March and early June, with abundance peaks generally occurring in April and May. - FWS.
What is the life cycle of a Dinacoma caseyi?
Females are always observed on the ground and are considered flightless. Males are reported to fly back and forth or crawl on the ground where a female beetle has been detected. After mating, females return to their burrows or dig a new burrow and deposit eggs. - FWS