Phanaeus adonis
This record describes Phanaeus adonis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
All US specimens have been blue, but green examples have been collected as far north as southern Tamaulipas, Mexico. ( 3 ) First U.S. record published in Riley & Wolfe (2003) ( 5 ) TEXAS: Cameron Co. 15 mi. E Rio Hondo VI-13-14-1995 C. Cate & M. Quinn-76 swine feces pit-fall Texas considers this sp. a SGCN ( 6 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Phanaeini
- Genus
- Phanaeus (Rainbow Scarabs)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / Mex. - Map
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, September, October.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Coprophagous (dung feeding). ( 3 )
Life History
Most spmns ex. pit-fall trap baited with swine feces
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phanaeus adonis Harold, 1863
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phanaeus adonis. 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 Phanaeus adonis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phanaeus adonis
What is Phanaeus adonis?
Phanaeus adonis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phanaeus adonis?
12-17 mm long, 7-11 wide
How do you identify Phanaeus adonis?
All US specimens have been blue, but green examples have been collected as far north as southern Tamaulipas, Mexico. ( 3 )
Where is Phanaeus adonis found?
Range: southmost TX (Cameron Co.) / Mex. - Map
What does Phanaeus adonis eat?
The diet of the Phanaeus adonis includes Coprophagous (dung feeding). ( 3 ).
When is Phanaeus adonis active?
Phanaeus adonis: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: May, June, September, October..
What is the life cycle of a Phanaeus adonis?
Most spmns ex. pit-fall trap baited with swine feces