Valgus hemipterus
This record describes Valgus hemipterus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Integument black, scales black and white, never brownish; the midline of propygidium bears white scales to variable extent. (more black scales in females generally) Female with long spine on pygidium, this finely serrate. (no spine in V. seticollis , smooth one in V. canaliculatus ) first collected in MI 1980
Wikipedia reference for Valgus hemipterus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Valgus_hemipterus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Cetoniinae
- Tribe
- Valgini
- Genus
- Valgus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Larval development in damp rotting wood near, or buried in ground.
Geographic Range
adventive to s. Great Lakes region (OH-MI-so.ON; possibly expanding) - Map , native to the Palaearctic
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Valgus hemipterus (Linnaeus, 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Valgus hemipterus. 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 Valgus hemipterus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Valgus hemipterus
What is Valgus hemipterus?
Valgus hemipterus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Valgus hemipterus?
8-9 mm
How do you identify Valgus hemipterus?
Integument black, scales black and white, never brownish; the midline of propygidium bears white scales to variable extent. (more black scales in females generally) Female with long spine on pygidium, this finely serrate. (no spine in V. seticollis , smooth one in V. canaliculatus )
Where is Valgus hemipterus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Larval development in damp rotting wood near, or buried in ground. |
| Range | adventive to s. Great Lakes region (OH-MI-so.ON; possibly expanding) - Map , native to the Palaearctic |