Thyce squamicollis
This record describes Thyce squamicollis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Hardy recorded this species from El Paso, Reeves and Nueces counties in Texas. Riley & Wolfe collected this species in El Paso County. Given that all other localities are from far westem Texas and New Mexico, the Nueces County record seems doubtful.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Melolonthinae
- Tribe
- Melolonthini
- Genus
- Thyce
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
far west TX, NM / Chihuahua, Mex (Hardy 1974) Type Locality: Albuquerque, New Mexico
Seasonal Activity
Specimens examined by Hardy (1974): June (8), July (7), August (6)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Thyce squamicollis LeConte 1856
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Thyce squamicollis. 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 Thyce squamicollis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Thyce squamicollis
What is Thyce squamicollis?
Thyce squamicollis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Thyce squamicollis?
Length 18.3 mm to 22.7 mm width 7.6 mm to 9.2 mm. (Hardy 1974)
Where is Thyce squamicollis found?
Range: far west TX, NM / Chihuahua, Mex (Hardy 1974) Type Locality: Albuquerque, New Mexico
When is Thyce squamicollis active?
Thyce squamicollis: seasonal activity - Specimens examined by Hardy (1974): June (8), July (7), August (6).