Rutela formosa
This record describes Rutela formosa (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Rutelinae
- Tribe
- Rutelini
- Genus
- Rutela
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
tropical hardwood hammocks ; larvae in old stumps
Geographic Range
se.FL (Dade & Monroe counties); Bahamas, Cuba
Diet and Behavior
Diet: adults feed on pollen of the royal poinciana, Jamaica dogwood, and probably other tropical trees
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Rutela formosa Burmeister 1844
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Rutela formosa. 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 Rutela formosa (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Arturo Santos
Frequently Asked Questions About Rutela formosa
How big is Rutela formosa?
14‒18 mm
Where is Rutela formosa found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | tropical hardwood hammocks ; larvae in old stumps |
| Range | se.FL (Dade & Monroe counties); Bahamas, Cuba |
What does Rutela formosa eat?
The diet of the Rutela formosa includes adults feed on pollen of the royal poinciana, Jamaica dogwood, and probably other tropical trees.