Phyllophaga tusa
This record describes Phyllophaga tusa (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Texas endemic. The type locality is nr. San Antonio, (probably Bexar county) (Horn, 1887). Reinhard (1939, 1950) listed it from Dimmit county. To these records Riley and Wolfe added Live Oak and San Patricio counties.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Rhizotrogini
- Genus
- Phyllophaga (May Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
Endemic to s. TX (San Antonio to Del Rio to Corpus to Victoria) - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Phyllophaga tusa. 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 Phyllophaga tusa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn