Malagoniella astyanax
This record describes Malagoniella astyanax (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
First reported for the U.S. by Schaeffer. Six spmns in the TAMUIC Spmn coll'ed by C. Cate & M. Quinn in 1995 was the first modern U.S. record in 65 years. Texas considers this a SGCN
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Deltochilini
- Genus
- Malagoniella
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Appears to be most often associated with seasonal forests (i.e. those that have a dry season). ( 4 )
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map Malagoniella (M.) astyanax yucateca (Harold) has a very wide distribution in Mexico and Central America, but has been found at isolated points that are often separated by great distances. In this case, it is difficult to attribute this to capture inefficiency (at least for many of the places where it has not been found), given that this is a large and very striking species.
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, July, September, October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Malagoniella species are general scavengers of dung and carrion (Halffter & Matthews 1966).
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Malagoniella astyanax. 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 Malagoniella astyanax (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Malagoniella astyanax
What is Malagoniella astyanax?
Malagoniella astyanax is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Malagoniella astyanax?
13-20 mm long
Where is Malagoniella astyanax found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Appears to be most often associated with seasonal forests (i.e. those that have a dry season). ( 4 ) |
| Range | southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / Mex. to C. Amer. - Map Malagoniella (M.) astyanax yucateca (Harold) has a very wide distribution in Mexico and Central America, but has been found at isolated points that are often separated by great distances. In this case, it is difficult to attribute this to capture inefficiency (at least for many of the places where it has not been found), given that this is a large and very striking species. |
What does Malagoniella astyanax eat?
The diet of the Malagoniella astyanax includes Malagoniella species are general scavengers of dung and carrion (Halffter & Matthews 1966)..
When is Malagoniella astyanax active?
Malagoniella astyanax: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, July, September, October..