Scaphinus muticus
This record describes Scaphinus muticus (species). Recorded family: Cerambycidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinctive form--prothorax widest at the middle, short antennae. Looks almost like a dung beetle, but antennae not clubbed .
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Chrysomeloidea
- Family
- Cerambycidae (Longhorn Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Spondylidinae
- Tribe
- Spondylidini
- Genus
- Scaphinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Pine woodlands.
Geographic Range
se.US (MD‒FL‒AR)
Seasonal Activity
Jun-July
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults nocturnal. Larvae feed on pine .
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Scaphinus muticus ( Fabricius 1801)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Scaphinus muticus. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Scaphinus muticus
What is Scaphinus muticus?
Scaphinus muticus is a species in the family Cerambycidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Scaphinus muticus?
12-20 mm
How do you identify Scaphinus muticus?
Distinctive form--prothorax widest at the middle, short antennae. Looks almost like a dung beetle, but antennae not clubbed .
Where is Scaphinus muticus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Pine woodlands. |
| Range | se.US (MD‒FL‒AR) |
When is Scaphinus muticus active?
Scaphinus muticus: seasonal activity - Jun-July.
What is the life cycle of a Scaphinus muticus?
Adults nocturnal. Larvae feed on pine .