Paracotalpa granicollis
This record describes Paracotalpa granicollis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Rutelinae
- Tribe
- Rutelini
- Genus
- Paracotalpa
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
juniper woodlands
Geographic Range
WA‒CA‒UT, ID‒NM
Seasonal Activity
in NV, common Jan‒Apr
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Juniperus is likely an adult food plant
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Paracotalpa granicollis (Haldeman 1852)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Paracotalpa granicollis. 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 Paracotalpa granicollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , David Ferguson , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Paracotalpa granicollis
How big is Paracotalpa granicollis?
12‒18 mm
Where is Paracotalpa granicollis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | juniper woodlands |
| Range | WA‒CA‒UT, ID‒NM |
What does Paracotalpa granicollis eat?
The diet of the Paracotalpa granicollis includes Juniperus is likely an adult food plant.
When is Paracotalpa granicollis active?
Paracotalpa granicollis: seasonal activity - in NV, common Jan‒Apr.