Ceratocanthidae

Common Name

Pill scarab beetles

Overview

Ceratocanthidae, commonly known as pill scarab beetles, belong to a family of beetles in the superfamily Scarabaeoidea. These beetles are known for their ability to roll into a ball, akin to pill bugs.

Taxonomy

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
Family: Ceratocanthidae

Key Characteristics

• Small to medium-sized beetles, typically dome-shaped.
• Known for ability to roll into a ball for defense.
• Antennae are usually clubbed.
• Elytra cover the entire abdomen, providing protection.
• Legs are adapted for rolling into a ball, with front tibiae often serrated for digging.

Life Cycle

• Eggs are laid in decaying wood or leaf detritus.
• Larvae are C-shaped, often found in the soil or rotting wood.
• Pupation occurs in a protective case created by the larvae from soil particles.
• Adults emerge after several weeks, ready for dispersal.

Behavior and Ecology

• Often found in humid, forested environments.
• Primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying plant matter.
• Some species engage in myrmecophily, associating with ants.
• Roll into a ball as a defense mechanism against predators.
• Nocturnal, avoiding the heat and predators during the day.

Notable Species

• Ceratocanthus aeneus: Known for its metallic sheen and found in Southeast Asia.
• Pseudopterorthochaetes spinifer: Distinct for its long spiniferous projections.

Conservation

• Generally, not much is known about the conservation status of Ceratocanthidae.
• Habitat destruction and deforestation may pose a threat to their populations.

Significance to Humans

• Play a role in nutrient recycling by breaking down decaying plant material.
• Presence in ecosystems indicates a healthy environment.

Fun Facts

• Rolling Masters: Like armadillos, these beetles can roll into a ball when threatened.
• Metallic Shimmer: Some species exhibit a shiny, metallic exterior that glistens in the light.
• Ant Allies: Some Ceratocanthidae have fascinating symbiotic relationships with ants.
• Mini Engineers: Larvae create complex burrows and pupal cases out of soil particles.