Pleurophorus caesus
This record describes Pleurophorus caesus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
earliest NA record: Middle Atlantic states before 1871
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aphodiinae
- Tribe
- Psammodiini
- Genus
- Pleurophorus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
larvae in the top soil layer under decaying plant material, manure, compost
Geographic Range
native to the Palæarctic, adventive elsewhere, incl. NA (BC‒CA‒CO‒NM, ON‒QC to SD‒MO‒VA)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Pleurophorus caesus (Creutzer in Panzer 1796)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Pleurophorus caesus. 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 Pleurophorus caesus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Pleurophorus caesus
What is Pleurophorus caesus?
Pleurophorus caesus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Pleurophorus caesus?
2.5‒3.5 mm
Where is Pleurophorus caesus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | larvae in the top soil layer under decaying plant material, manure, compost |
| Range | native to the Palæarctic, adventive elsewhere, incl. NA (BC‒CA‒CO‒NM, ON‒QC to SD‒MO‒VA) |