Scarabaeoidea
Scarabaeoidea
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
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.
Images
Summary
Scarabaeoidea is a diverse superfamily of beetles containing around 35,000 species, known for their ecological roles and variety in form and size.
Physical Characteristics
Includes some of the largest beetles, like rhinoceros beetles and Goliath beetles.
Identification Tips
Identifiable by large size and diverse morphology; some families resemble stag beetles or have unique behaviors such as dung burial.
Habitat
Found in a variety of habitats including forests, grasslands, and areas with rich organic matter.
Distribution
~41,400 species worldwide with a notable presence in the New World, including southern California, Nebraska, Florida, South Carolina, and Texas.
Diet
Many species are detritivores, feeding on decomposing organic matter, while others may have specialized diets such as dung or wood.
Life Cycle
Life cycle includes egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with larvae often living in decaying material.
Reproduction
Reproductive strategies vary by family; many involve laying eggs in dung or decaying matter to provide food for larvae upon hatching.
Ecosystem Role
Play important roles in nutrient recycling, soil aeration, and seed dispersal due to their feeding habits and burrowing behavior.
Collecting Methods
- Light traps
- Hand collection
- Pitfall traps
- Catching adults on dung
Preservation Methods
- Pinning
- Alcohol preservation
- Freeze drying
Evolution
The oldest confirmed member dates to the Middle Jurassic, indicating a long evolutionary history.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
Some species are often mistaken for pests due to their association with dung, though many are beneficial for the environment.
Tags
- beetles
- Scarabaeoidea
- taxonomy
- ecology
- biodiversity