Hoplia equina
This record describes Hoplia equina (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Syntype • the only Nearctic Hoplia with a single mesotarsal claw
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Hopliini
- Genus
- Hoplia (Monkey Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
New England & Mid-Atlantic (NH‒MD)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hoplia equina LeConte 1880
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hoplia equina. 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 Hoplia equina (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Hoplia equina
What is Hoplia equina?
Hoplia equina is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Hoplia equina?
5.7‒8.5 mm
How do you identify Hoplia equina?
Syntype • the only Nearctic Hoplia with a single mesotarsal claw
Where is Hoplia equina found?
Range: New England & Mid-Atlantic (NH‒MD)