Tomarus subtropicus
This record describes Tomarus subtropicus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
frontoclypeal tubercles transverse and low; pronotal punctures small; pronotal tubercle small but visible in lateral view; pronotal fovea shallow and narrow (⅓ as wide as interocular distance); protibia tridentate, rarely with an additional basal denticle; apex of metatibia with 11–14 spinules economic pest in sugarcane in the US; also attacks roots of other grasses
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dynastinae
- Tribe
- Pentodontini
- Genus
- Tomarus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
strictly coastal
Geographic Range
se.US (SC‒FL‒LA)
Seasonal Activity
Jun‒Aug
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Tomarus subtropicus (Blatchley)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Tomarus subtropicus. 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 Tomarus subtropicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Tomarus subtropicus
What is Tomarus subtropicus?
Tomarus subtropicus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Tomarus subtropicus?
17.5‒27.5 mm
How do you identify Tomarus subtropicus?
frontoclypeal tubercles transverse and low; pronotal punctures small; pronotal tubercle small but visible in lateral view; pronotal fovea shallow and narrow (⅓ as wide as interocular distance); protibia tridentate, rarely with an additional basal denticle; apex of metatibia with 11–14 spinules
Where is Tomarus subtropicus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | strictly coastal |
| Range | se.US (SC‒FL‒LA) |
When is Tomarus subtropicus active?
Tomarus subtropicus: seasonal activity - Jun‒Aug.