Opaque Earth Boring Beetle
Geotrupes opacus
This record describes Geotrupes opacus (species). Recorded family: Geotrupidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Moderately dull; black; elytra without striae, just rows of punctures (same as ulkei ) - easy to ID
Wikipedia reference for Geotrupes opacus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Geotrupes_opacus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Geotrupidae (Earth-Boring Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Geotrupinae
- Genus
- Geotrupes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
prefers sandy areas
Geographic Range
c US (TX-LA-OH-SD-CO)
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct in NE
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Geotrupes opacus. 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 Opaque Earth Boring Beetle (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Opaque Earth Boring Beetle
What is Opaque Earth Boring Beetle?
Opaque Earth Boring Beetle (Geotrupes opacus) is a species in the family Geotrupidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Opaque Earth Boring Beetle?
12.5-17.3 mm
How do you identify Opaque Earth Boring Beetle?
Moderately dull; black; elytra without striae, just rows of punctures (same as ulkei ) - easy to ID
Where is Opaque Earth Boring Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | prefers sandy areas |
| Range | c US (TX-LA-OH-SD-CO) |
When is Opaque Earth Boring Beetle active?
Opaque Earth Boring Beetle: seasonal activity - Apr-Oct in NE.