Dinacoma sanfelipe
This record describes Dinacoma sanfelipe (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male lacks a distinct third (basal) outer tooth on the anterior tibiae ( D. marginata with three distinct external teeth); have acuminate and outwardly directed anterior clypeal angles (Not so in D. marginata ); have distinct elytral striping ( D. marginata Central and juxta-sutural longitudinal elytral squamous stripes less distinct, not clearly contrasting with remainder of elytral surface
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
San Felipe Valley, San Diego Co., CA
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Females presumably fossorial and flightless
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Dinacoma sanfelipe Gillett, Osborne, Reil, & Rubinoff 2020
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Dinacoma sanfelipe. 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 sanfelipe (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Hartmut Wisch; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dinacoma sanfelipe
What is Dinacoma sanfelipe?
Dinacoma sanfelipe is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Dinacoma sanfelipe?
Male lacks a distinct third (basal) outer tooth on the anterior tibiae ( D. marginata with three distinct external teeth); have acuminate and outwardly directed anterior clypeal angles (Not so in D. marginata ); have distinct elytral striping ( D. marginata Central and juxta-sutural longitudinal elytral squamous stripes less distinct, not clearly contrasting with remainder of elytral surface
Where is Dinacoma sanfelipe found?
Range: San Felipe Valley, San Diego Co., CA
What is the life cycle of a Dinacoma sanfelipe?
Females presumably fossorial and flightless