Young's Deepdigger Scarab
Peltotrupes youngi
This record describes Peltotrupes youngi (species). Recorded family: Geotrupidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sutural stria by tip of scutellum not impressed, other striae generally obsolete; color largely green
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
Habitat
deep sand uplands with natural vegetation
Geographic Range
FL (so. Putnam Co. & e. Marion Co.)
Seasonal Activity
Jan-Apr
Diet and Behavior
Diet: readily attracted to decaying fungi, malt, or molasses, and even banana peels and propionic acid. No evidence was seen of their feeding on dung, but it is quite possible.
Life History
colonial, deep burrowing (~6 ft in loose sand); surface activity nocturnal
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Peltotrupes youngi Howden 1955
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Peltotrupes youngi. 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 Young's Deepdigger Scarab (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Young's Deepdigger Scarab
What is Young's Deepdigger Scarab?
Young's Deepdigger Scarab (Peltotrupes youngi) is a species in the family Geotrupidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Young's Deepdigger Scarab?
16-22 mm
How do you identify Young's Deepdigger Scarab?
Sutural stria by tip of scutellum not impressed, other striae generally obsolete; color largely green
Where is Young's Deepdigger Scarab found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | deep sand uplands with natural vegetation |
| Range | FL (so. Putnam Co. & e. Marion Co.) |
What does Young's Deepdigger Scarab eat?
The diet of the Young's Deepdigger Scarab includes readily attracted to decaying fungi, malt, or molasses, and even banana peels and propionic acid. No evidence was seen of their feeding on dung, but it is quite possible..
When is Young's Deepdigger Scarab active?
Young's Deepdigger Scarab: seasonal activity - Jan-Apr.
What is the life cycle of a Young's Deepdigger Scarab?
colonial, deep burrowing (~6 ft in loose sand); surface activity nocturnal