Diplotaxis schaefferi
This record describes Diplotaxis schaefferi (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Per Vaurie: Small (7.5 to 8 mm), pronotum flat, narrow; elytra so densely and irregularly punctured that costae and intervals are confused, not distinct (only three specimens examined) Per Fall: In the male the tarsal claws are relatively longer and more slender than in any other species known to me except D. macronycha . The eyes are also noticeably larger and the hind thighs more slender in the male. The irregularity of punctuation of the elytral costae is a very exceptional character and is so marked on the second costa as to greatly obscure it. (Fall, 1909) Type Locality: New Braunfels, Comal Co., Texas. Vaurie added one spmn from Llano County. Riley & Wolfe examined specimens from Mason and Medina counties. TAMUIC has 23 spmns, most all determined by McCleve in 1996, 18 spmns are from Mason Co. and 5 spmns from Medina Co.
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
endemic to the e. Edwards Plateau of c. TX (Comal, Llano, Mason, Medina Cos.) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Diplotaxis schaefferi Fall, 1909
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Diplotaxis schaefferi. 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 Diplotaxis schaefferi (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Diplotaxis schaefferi
What is Diplotaxis schaefferi?
Diplotaxis schaefferi is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Diplotaxis schaefferi?
7.5-8 mm
How do you identify Diplotaxis schaefferi?
Per Vaurie: Small (7.5 to 8 mm), pronotum flat, narrow; elytra so densely and irregularly punctured that costae and intervals are confused, not distinct (only three specimens examined) Per Fall: In the male the tarsal claws are relatively longer and more slender than in any other species known to me except D. macronycha . The eyes are also noticeably larger and the hind thighs more slender in the male. The irregularity of punctuation of the elytral costae is a very exceptional character and is so marked on the second costa as to greatly obscure it. (Fall, 1909)
Where is Diplotaxis schaefferi found?
Range: endemic to the e. Edwards Plateau of c. TX (Comal, Llano, Mason, Medina Cos.) - Map