Euoniticellus intermedius
This record describes Euoniticellus intermedius (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
males armed, color varies from straw to dark brown Det. M. A. Quinn, 2011 Intentionally introduced from Africa into Texas during the early 1970s for dung removal
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Oniticellini
- Genus
- Euoniticellus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
highly tolerant of hot, arid conditions (ALA)
Geographic Range
s.CA to Houston / FL / Mex. to Costa Rica - Map (also Africa, Australia)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: shows a strong preference for cow dung and dung that is no older than 36 hours (ALA)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Euoniticellus intermedius. 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 Euoniticellus intermedius (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Euoniticellus intermedius
What is Euoniticellus intermedius?
Euoniticellus intermedius is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Euoniticellus intermedius?
males armed, color varies from straw to dark brown Det. M. A. Quinn, 2011
Where is Euoniticellus intermedius found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | highly tolerant of hot, arid conditions (ALA) |
| Range | s.CA to Houston / FL / Mex. to Costa Rica - Map (also Africa, Australia) |
What does Euoniticellus intermedius eat?
The diet of the Euoniticellus intermedius includes shows a strong preference for cow dung and dung that is no older than 36 hours (ALA).