Phanaeus difformis
This record describes Phanaeus difformis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
MAJOR MALES: vindex -vs- difformis depicted are easier to differentiate than minor males (w/ short horns) and females (w/ very short horns). major male: - note, colors variable minor male: female: much less common than P. vindex (BG data)
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
Habitat
especially common along the coastal plains of TX and adj. LA, also along major river drainage systems
Geographic Range
sc US (eNM-wLA-sKS-seCO) / ne Mex. - Map , mostly: e.NM-TX-OK
Seasonal Activity
mostly: Apr-Oct
Diet and Behavior
Life History
may hybridize with P. vindex
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Phanaeus difformis LeConte 1847
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phanaeus difformis. 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 difformis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Phanaeus difformis
What is Phanaeus difformis?
Phanaeus difformis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Phanaeus difformis?
13-23 mm
How do you identify Phanaeus difformis?
MAJOR MALES: vindex -vs- difformis depicted are easier to differentiate than minor males (w/ short horns) and females (w/ very short horns). major male: - note, colors variable minor male: female:
Where is Phanaeus difformis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | especially common along the coastal plains of TX and adj. LA, also along major river drainage systems |
| Range | sc US (eNM-wLA-sKS-seCO) / ne Mex. - Map , mostly: e.NM-TX-OK |
When is Phanaeus difformis active?
Phanaeus difformis: seasonal activity - mostly: Apr-Oct.
What is the life cycle of a Phanaeus difformis?
may hybridize with P. vindex