ColeopteraScarabaeidae – Scarab Beetles

Diplotaxis punctatorugosa

This record describes Diplotaxis punctatorugosa (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Diplotaxis punctatorugosa - Diplotaxis punctatorugosa
Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Easily distinguished by the dense punctuation, frontoclypeal ridge, pronotal shape and location. The labrum is flat. ‒W.B. Warner, 9.x.2010

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Scarabaeoidea
Family
Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
Subfamily
Melolonthinae
Tribe
Diplotaxini
Genus
Diplotaxis

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Geographic Range

RI‒FL‒TX

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Diplotaxis punctatorugosa Blanchard 1851

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diplotaxis punctatorugosa. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Diplotaxis punctatorugosa (5)

Diplotaxis punctatorugosa - photo 1
Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Diplotaxis punctatorugosa - photo 2
Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Diplotaxis punctatorugosa - photo 3
Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Diplotaxis punctatorugosa - photo 4
Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Diplotaxis punctatorugosa - photo 5
Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Diplotaxis punctatorugosa

What is Diplotaxis punctatorugosa?

Diplotaxis punctatorugosa is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Diplotaxis punctatorugosa?

8‒9 mm

How do you identify Diplotaxis punctatorugosa?

Easily distinguished by the dense punctuation, frontoclypeal ridge, pronotal shape and location. The labrum is flat. ‒W.B. Warner, 9.x.2010

Where is Diplotaxis punctatorugosa found?

Range: RI‒FL‒TX

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Blaine Mathison; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.