Ligyrus relictus
This record describes Ligyrus relictus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Protibia with 3 teeth and basal denticle, without denticle between basal and second tooth; parameres with ventral teeth acute and long may be found on lawns but are not turf feeders
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
e.NA (NS‒SK‒MT to VA‒TX)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larvae under piles of straw and decaying hay or dung, eggs laid Apr‒May, adults emerge in Aug and overwinter in soil
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ligyrus relictus (Say 1825)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ligyrus relictus. 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 relictus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Steve Nanz , Robin McLeod , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ligyrus relictus
What is Ligyrus relictus?
Ligyrus relictus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ligyrus relictus?
16.7–22.2 mm
How do you identify Ligyrus relictus?
Protibia with 3 teeth and basal denticle, without denticle between basal and second tooth; parameres with ventral teeth acute and long
Where is Ligyrus relictus found?
Range: e.NA (NS‒SK‒MT to VA‒TX)
What is the life cycle of a Ligyrus relictus?
larvae under piles of straw and decaying hay or dung, eggs laid Apr‒May, adults emerge in Aug and overwinter in soil