Dark Hoplia
Hoplia trivialis
This record describes Hoplia trivialis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Black with sparse white hairs. Similar to H. trifasciata
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
Habitat
on vegetation/flowers, young pines, hickories ; under boards, rocks, near water
Geographic Range
e.US (NH‒GA to IL‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
Mar‒Jul in SC
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Hoplia trivialis Harold 1869
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Hoplia trivialis. 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 Dark Hoplia (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Aaron Schusteff , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Dark Hoplia
What is Dark Hoplia?
Dark Hoplia (Hoplia trivialis) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Dark Hoplia?
6‒7 mm
How do you identify Dark Hoplia?
Black with sparse white hairs. Similar to H. trifasciata
Where is Dark Hoplia found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | on vegetation/flowers, young pines, hickories ; under boards, rocks, near water |
| Range | e.US (NH‒GA to IL‒TX) |
When is Dark Hoplia active?
Dark Hoplia: seasonal activity - Mar‒Jul in SC.