Ligyrus cuniculus
This record describes Ligyrus cuniculus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Apical angles of clypeus rounded; clypeal teeth triangular to transverse; I & II apical teeth of mandible equal in size and not joined; male genitalia distinctive our only representative of the subg. Anagrylius Casey 1915 that contains one more species An invasive species; can damage turfgrass
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dynastinae
- Tribe
- Pentodontini
- Genus
- Ligyrus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
SC (Edisto Is.), s.FL, W.Indies, S.America
Seasonal Activity
Active year-round in Ft.Lauderdale
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ligyrus cuniculus (Fabricius 1801)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ligyrus cuniculus. 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 Ligyrus cuniculus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ligyrus cuniculus
What is Ligyrus cuniculus?
Ligyrus cuniculus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ligyrus cuniculus?
13.0–18.8 mm
How do you identify Ligyrus cuniculus?
Apical angles of clypeus rounded; clypeal teeth triangular to transverse; I & II apical teeth of mandible equal in size and not joined; male genitalia distinctive
Where is Ligyrus cuniculus found?
Range: SC (Edisto Is.), s.FL, W.Indies, S.America
When is Ligyrus cuniculus active?
Ligyrus cuniculus: seasonal activity - Active year-round in Ft.Lauderdale.