Xyloryctes thestalus
This record describes Xyloryctes thestalus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
has a distinctly protuberant pronotal process with an emarginate apex in the males; elytra vary from smooth to longitudinally furrowed with punctures; apex of metatibia has 7-8 small teeth; parameres with a relatively long basolateral flange former records of X. jamaicensis from AZ, NM, and sw. TX refer to X. thestalus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Dynastinae
- Tribe
- Oryctini
- Genus
- Xyloryctes (Rhinoceros Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
sw US (AZ to w. TX, UT) to Guatemala - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Adults are commonly attracted to lights and to Arizona ash, Fraxinus velutina (Oleaceae)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Xyloryctes thestalus Bates 1888
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Xyloryctes thestalus. 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 Xyloryctes thestalus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Charley Eiseman; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Xyloryctes thestalus
What is Xyloryctes thestalus?
Xyloryctes thestalus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Xyloryctes thestalus?
23.5-43.0 mm
How do you identify Xyloryctes thestalus?
has a distinctly protuberant pronotal process with an emarginate apex in the males; elytra vary from smooth to longitudinally furrowed with punctures; apex of metatibia has 7-8 small teeth; parameres with a relatively long basolateral flange
Where is Xyloryctes thestalus found?
Range: sw US (AZ to w. TX, UT) to Guatemala - Map
What is the life cycle of a Xyloryctes thestalus?
Adults are commonly attracted to lights and to Arizona ash, Fraxinus velutina (Oleaceae)