ColeopteraScarabaeidae – Scarab Beetles

Osmoderma subplanatum

This record describes Osmoderma subplanatum (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Osmoderma subplanatum - Osmoderma subplanatum
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Andrew Smith , Arturo Santos

vs O. eremicola : elytra often lacking polished luster, finely to moderately punctate; scutellum usually heavily punctate, median line sometimes smooth or impunctate (characters may not work) Images were sorted here primarily based on distribution map in

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Scarabaeoidea
Family
Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
Subfamily
Cetoniinae
Tribe
Osmodermatini
Genus
Osmoderma

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

hardwood forests

Geographic Range

nw.ON‒AB to AR‒OK‒MT

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Osmoderma subplanata Casey, 1915 - - species name emended to match the neuter gender of the genus

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Osmoderma subplanatum. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Osmoderma subplanatum (5)

Osmoderma subplanatum - photo 1
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Andrew Smith , Arturo Santos
Osmoderma subplanatum - photo 2
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Andrew Smith , Arturo Santos
Osmoderma subplanatum - photo 3
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Andrew Smith , Arturo Santos
Osmoderma subplanatum - photo 4
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Andrew Smith , Arturo Santos
Osmoderma subplanatum - photo 5
Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Andrew Smith , Arturo Santos

Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Andrew Smith , Arturo Santos

Frequently Asked Questions About Osmoderma subplanatum

What is Osmoderma subplanatum?

Osmoderma subplanatum is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Osmoderma subplanatum?

22.3‒29.4 mm

How do you identify Osmoderma subplanatum?

vs O. eremicola : elytra often lacking polished luster, finely to moderately punctate; scutellum usually heavily punctate, median line sometimes smooth or impunctate (characters may not work)

Where is Osmoderma subplanatum found?
FeatureDetails
Habitathardwood forests
Rangenw.ON‒AB to AR‒OK‒MT

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov , Andrew Smith , Arturo Santos. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.