Scarabaeoidea

Latreille, 1802

Scarabs, Stag Beetles, Dung Beetles, Fruit and Flower Chafers

Family Guides

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is a superfamily of beetles comprising approximately 35,000 described , with around 200 new species described annually. It is the sole superfamily within the infraorder Scarabaeiformia. The group includes diverse such as Scarabaeidae (scarabs, dung beetles, ), Lucanidae (stag beetles), Geotrupidae (earth-boring scarabs), and Bolboceratidae. Many species exhibit distinctive circularly polarized light reflection from their , produced by helicoidal stacks of microfibrils. The superfamily is currently undergoing taxonomic revision at the family level.

Damaeus by (c) Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Alexis Tinker-Tsavalas. Used under a CC-BY license.Epidermoptidae by (c) Cricket Raspet, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Cricket Raspet. Used under a CC-BY license.Psoroptidae by (c) Oleksii Vasyliuk, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Oleksii Vasyliuk. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scarabaeoidea: //ˌskærəˌbiːˈɔɪdiə//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Identification

typically have (plate-like) that can be folded into a club, a characteristic feature of the superfamily. Body forms vary widely: dung beetles are often robust and convex; stag beetles (Lucanidae) possess enlarged especially in males; (Cetoniinae) are frequently oval and often metallic. Larvae are characteristically C-shaped, thick-bodied, and pale with well-developed thoracic legs—commonly called 'white .' The combination of lamellate antennae in adults and C-shaped scarabaeiform larvae distinguishes this superfamily from other groups.

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Habitat

span nearly all terrestrial environments including tropical rainforests, tropical dry forests, cloud forests, pine savannas, temperate woodlands, grasslands, and agricultural areas. Many are associated with decomposing organic matter: dung beetles with animal , geotrupids with soil and leaf litter, and with rotting wood or humus. Some lineages are adapted to arid environments, while others require moist conditions for larval development. Elevation ranges from sea level to over 2,800 meters.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution across all biogeographic regions. Particularly diverse in tropical regions, with major centers of diversity in the Neotropics, Afrotropics, and Indomalaya. The Nearctic fauna includes approximately 790 and . Specific regional studies document substantial diversity in Honduras (98 species across Bolboceratidae, Geotrupidae, and Scarabaeinae), the Colombian Caribbean, and South Africa.

Seasonality

activity patterns vary by and region. Many temperate are active primarily in late spring through summer (May–July), with some extending into early autumn. Tropical species often show activity during wet seasons. Some geotrupid species are active in late fall and early winter. Flower chafers (Cetoniinae) are frequently and most common in late spring and early summer, though they may persist into July.

Diet

Feeding habits are diverse across . Dung beetles (Scarabaeinae) primarily consume (), with some also utilizing carrion (necrophagy) or decaying plant matter (saprophagy). Geotrupidae feed on dung, fungi, leaf litter, and occasionally carrion; some prefer fungus and leaf litter over dung for larval development. (Cetoniinae) feed on sap exuding from tree wounds, nectar, and pollen. Larvae of most families feed on soil humus, decaying wood, or roots; Bolboceratidae larvae specifically consume soil humus.

Life Cycle

Larval development typically occurs in soil, decaying wood, or within /organic matter burrows. Larvae are C-shaped scarabaeiform with three instars. usually occurs in earthen or within substrate. time varies: some flower chafers complete development in approximately one year, with larvae entering a quiescent pre-pupal stage in autumn and , pupating in spring. is often synchronized with seasonal resource availability such as fresh dung or flowering plants.

Behavior

exhibit three main nesting strategies for offspring provisioning: rollers (forming balls and rolling them away), tunnellers (burying dung at or near the deposit site), and dwellers (using dung without relocation). Some geotrupids dig vertical burrows for larval development. Many are fast, powerful, erratic fliers with a unique body 'hinge' allowing hind wing deployment while remain closed. Several are notable mimics in . Some species show color- and geographic variation in .

Ecological Role

Critical engineers involved in nutrient recycling, soil turnover, and secondary seed . Dung beetles accelerate decomposition, reduce greenhouse gas emissions from livestock waste, and control livestock by removing breeding for flies. Burrowing activities aerate soil and enhance water infiltration. The group serves as highly effective biological indicators due to rapid responsiveness to habitat alterations and sensitivity to ecosystem changes.

Human Relevance

Several are economically important agricultural pests as larvae (white ) damaging turf, pasture, and crop roots. Dung beetles have been introduced deliberately for of livestock and management in pastoral systems. Some species are valued in traditional medicine and as cultural symbols. The group attracts substantial amateur and professional interest, with dedicated newsletters (e.g., SCARABS) and active specimen exchange networks. Collection and identification resources are well-developed for regional faunas.

Similar Taxa

  • StaphylinoideaBoth are large superfamilies within Polyphaga, but Staphylinoidea typically have short exposing most of the and lack ; larvae are not C-shaped scarabaeiform.
  • BuprestoideaBoth contain metallic, wood-associated beetles, but Buprestoidea have serrate or , flattened bodies adapted for wood-boring, and larvae are elongate and flat (not C-shaped).

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