ColeopteraScarabaeidae – Scarab Beetles

Trichiotinus lunulatus

This record describes Trichiotinus lunulatus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.

Identification and Appearance

Trichiotinus lunulatus - Trichiotinus lunulatus
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Usually green, occasionally coppery or even blue. Similar to T. bibens , but more southeastern. Generally less hairy, has V-shaped callus on head. Legs usually green or dark. Cretaceous (chalky) spots on pygidium not usually concealed by hairs:

Classification

Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera (Beetles)
Suborder
Polyphaga
Superfamily
Scarabaeoidea
Family
Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
Subfamily
Cetoniinae
Tribe
Trichiini
Genus
Trichiotinus

Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.

Habitat and Range

Habitat

Meadows, fields, etc. near woodlands

Geographic Range

se.US (MD‒FL to TN‒TX)

Seasonal Activity

Apr‒Jun in NC ( 3 )

Additional species information

Species notes from the sources

Etymology: Trichiotinus lunulatus (Fabricius 1775)

About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group

Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trichiotinus lunulatus. 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.

Explore Coleoptera families and species →

Photos of Trichiotinus lunulatus (5)

Trichiotinus lunulatus - photo 1
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Trichiotinus lunulatus - photo 2
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Trichiotinus lunulatus - photo 3
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Trichiotinus lunulatus - photo 4
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Trichiotinus lunulatus - photo 5
Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov

Frequently Asked Questions About Trichiotinus lunulatus

What is Trichiotinus lunulatus?

Trichiotinus lunulatus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.

How big is Trichiotinus lunulatus?

7‒11 mm

How do you identify Trichiotinus lunulatus?

Usually green, occasionally coppery or even blue. Similar to T. bibens , but more southeastern. Generally less hairy, has V-shaped callus on head. Legs usually green or dark. Cretaceous (chalky) spots on pygidium not usually concealed by hairs:

Where is Trichiotinus lunulatus found?
FeatureDetails
HabitatMeadows, fields, etc. near woodlands
Rangese.US (MD‒FL to TN‒TX)
When is Trichiotinus lunulatus active?

Trichiotinus lunulatus: seasonal activity - Apr‒Jun in NC ( 3 ).

How we use and review source data. Source count does not imply independent verification.

Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov. Contributors retain copyright over their individual contributions.