Bolboceratinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Bolboceratinae: /ˌbɔlboʊsəˈratɪniː/

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Summary

Bolboceratinae, also known as earth-boring scarab beetles, is a group characterized by their feeding habits on fungi and distinct morphological features like the bulbous horn. It comprises approximately 40 species across 8 genera.

Physical Characteristics

Antennae with 11 segments, the last 3 forming a club; eyes partially or completely divided by a canthus.

Identification Tips

Look for the characteristic bulbous horn structure and the segmented antennae which distinguish them from other beetles.

Habitat

Typically found in terrestrial habitats where fungi are present, as adults feed on fungal material.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution, with significant presence in many regions including North America.

Diet

Adults feed on fungi; larvae of some genera feed on fine humus formed into a brood ball.

Life Cycle

Typically involves a complete metamorphosis with distinct egg, larva, pupa, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Larvae develop in brood balls made of humus, suggesting a unique brood care strategy among certain species.

Ecosystem Role

May play a role in the decomposition of organic matter due to their feeding habits on fungi and humus.

Collecting Methods

• Hand collecting from fungal substrates
• Using pitfall traps near decomposing organic matter

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation for specimens
• Pinned dry specimens for taxonomy

Evolution

Bolboceratinae has been classified under Geotrupidae, but it is now treated by some taxonomists as its own family, Bolboceratidae.

Similar Taxa

• Geotrupidae
• Scarabaeidae

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Bolboceratinae beetles with other scarab beetles due to their similar morphology.

Tags

• Coleoptera
• Geotrupidae
• Bolboceratinae
• scarab beetles