Ligyrus sallaei
This record describes Ligyrus sallaei (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Protibia with 3 teeth, a basal denticle, and other denticle between basal and second tooth (Fig. 11E). Parameres with ventral teeth rounded and short (Fig. 15H).
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
Habitat
predominantly found in pine/oak forests, cloud forests, and coffee plantations. Specimens found at 40 m elevation, but more abundant between 1,000–2,500 m.
Geographic Range
s. AZ, c. TX (Austin & Coll. Sta.) to Panama - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
larval stages described by Ramírez-Salinas et al. who indicated that the larvae can be found under sheep dung or coffee pulp compost. In the material examined, there are several records of adults found in dung galleries.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Ligyrus (Ligyrodes) sallaei Bates, 1888 (reinstated)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ligyrus sallaei. 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 sallaei (4)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ligyrus sallaei
What is Ligyrus sallaei?
Ligyrus sallaei is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Ligyrus sallaei?
Protibia with 3 teeth, a basal denticle, and other denticle between basal and second tooth (Fig. 11E). Parameres with ventral teeth rounded and short (Fig. 15H).
Where is Ligyrus sallaei found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | predominantly found in pine/oak forests, cloud forests, and coffee plantations. Specimens found at 40 m elevation, but more abundant between 1,000–2,500 m. |
| Range | s. AZ, c. TX (Austin & Coll. Sta.) to Panama - Map |
What is the life cycle of a Ligyrus sallaei?
larval stages described by Ramírez-Salinas et al. who indicated that the larvae can be found under sheep dung or coffee pulp compost. In the material examined, there are several records of adults found in dung galleries.