Sandhills Earth Boring Scarab Beetle
Mycotrupes retusus
This record describes Mycotrupes retusus (species). Recorded family: Geotrupidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Geotrupidae (Earth-Boring Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Geotrupinae
- Genus
- Mycotrupes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Sandhills
Geographic Range
South Carolina endemic
Seasonal Activity
Fall-Spring
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Detritus, Leaves
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: from retundo, retusus means dull.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Mycotrupes retusus. 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 Sandhills Earth Boring Scarab Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis
Frequently Asked Questions About Sandhills Earth Boring Scarab Beetle
Where is Sandhills Earth Boring Scarab Beetle found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Sandhills |
| Range | South Carolina endemic |
What does Sandhills Earth Boring Scarab Beetle eat?
The diet of the Sandhills Earth Boring Scarab Beetle includes Detritus, Leaves.
When is Sandhills Earth Boring Scarab Beetle active?
Sandhills Earth Boring Scarab Beetle: seasonal activity - Fall-Spring.