Florida Deepdigger Scarab
Peltotrupes profundus
This record describes Peltotrupes profundus (species). Recorded family: Geotrupidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sutural stria by tip of scutellum definitely impressed, other striae evident; color largely purple species of special concern
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Geotrupidae (Earth-Boring Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Geotrupinae
- Genus
- Peltotrupes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
endemic to peninsular FL - Map
Seasonal Activity
Nov-Apr, mostly Jan-Feb
Diet and Behavior
Life History
See burrows of this sp. are often locally abundant
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Peltotrupes profundus (Howden)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Peltotrupes profundus. 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 Florida Deepdigger Scarab (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , ceiseman , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Florida Deepdigger Scarab
What is Florida Deepdigger Scarab?
Florida Deepdigger Scarab (Peltotrupes profundus) is a species in the family Geotrupidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Florida Deepdigger Scarab?
15-23 mm
How do you identify Florida Deepdigger Scarab?
Sutural stria by tip of scutellum definitely impressed, other striae evident; color largely purple
Where is Florida Deepdigger Scarab found?
Range: endemic to peninsular FL - Map
When is Florida Deepdigger Scarab active?
Florida Deepdigger Scarab: seasonal activity - Nov-Apr, mostly Jan-Feb.
What is the life cycle of a Florida Deepdigger Scarab?
See burrows of this sp. are often locally abundant