Melanocanthon nigricornis
This record describes Melanocanthon nigricornis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
easily distinguished from similar Canthon spp. by the presence of two apical spurs on the posterior tibia. this character also separates it from all other scarabaeines in NE Det. Brad Barnd, 2016 (from spmn)
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Deltochilini
- Genus
- Melanocanthon
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
can be locally abundant in sandy areas
Geographic Range
Great Plains (WI-CO-LA-TX; Nuevo Leon) - Map BG records east of WI, IL may be incorrect
Seasonal Activity
mostly May-Aug in NE
Diet and Behavior
Life History
even though this sp. can be locally abundant, virtually nothing [definitive] is known about the biology of the spp. of Melanocanthon . This sp. has been taken in baited pittfall traps using human feces, and two spmns in the Univ. Nebraska coll. are pinned with entire rabbit pellets, which they were presumably rolling. Woodruff coll'ed the three FL spp. in malt bait traps , and Robinson coll'ed M. bispinatus in the autumn on old toadstools. the above suggests this sp. feeds on rabbit feces, but doesn't seem to feed on bison/cattle feces.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Melanocanthon nigricornis (Say, 1823)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Melanocanthon nigricornis. 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 Melanocanthon nigricornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Edward Ruden , mpintar
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanocanthon nigricornis
What is Melanocanthon nigricornis?
Melanocanthon nigricornis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Melanocanthon nigricornis?
6.5-8.7 mm
How do you identify Melanocanthon nigricornis?
easily distinguished from similar Canthon spp. by the presence of two apical spurs on the posterior tibia. this character also separates it from all other scarabaeines in NE Det. Brad Barnd, 2016 (from spmn)
Where is Melanocanthon nigricornis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | can be locally abundant in sandy areas |
| Range | Great Plains (WI-CO-LA-TX; Nuevo Leon) - Map BG records east of WI, IL may be incorrect |
When is Melanocanthon nigricornis active?
Melanocanthon nigricornis: seasonal activity - mostly May-Aug in NE.
What is the life cycle of a Melanocanthon nigricornis?
even though this sp. can be locally abundant, virtually nothing [definitive] is known about the biology of the spp. of Melanocanthon . This sp. has been taken in baited pittfall traps using human feces, and two spmns in the Univ. Nebraska coll. are pinned with entire rabbit pellets, which they were presumably rolling. Woodruff coll'ed the three FL spp. in malt bait traps , and Robinson coll'ed M. bispinatus in the autumn on old toadstools. the above suggests this sp. feeds on rabbit feces, but doesn't seem to feed on bison/cattle feces.