Phanaeus texensis
This record describes Phanaeus texensis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
major male: minor male: female: Type Locality: 2mi N. Cedar Hill, Dallas Co., Texas
Identification notes
major male: minor male: female:
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
prefers forested and semiforested areas with rocky soils
Geographic Range
s. OK to ne. Mex. - TX Range Map - (Quinn, 2008)
Seasonal Activity
Mar-Nov, bivoltine with peaks in Mar-May and Sep-Nov ( 3 )
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Adults generally feed on mammalian dung.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phanaeus texensis. 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 texensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by dvoribird
Frequently Asked Questions About Phanaeus texensis
What is Phanaeus texensis?
Phanaeus texensis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Phanaeus texensis?
major male: minor male: female:
Where is Phanaeus texensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | prefers forested and semiforested areas with rocky soils |
| Range | s. OK to ne. Mex. - TX Range Map - (Quinn, 2008) |
What does Phanaeus texensis eat?
The diet of the Phanaeus texensis includes Adults generally feed on mammalian dung..
When is Phanaeus texensis active?
Phanaeus texensis: seasonal activity - Mar-Nov, bivoltine with peaks in Mar-May and Sep-Nov ( 3 ).