Bolbocerosoma pusillum

Bolbocerosoma pusillum can be distinguished from other Bolbocerosoma species by its relatively small size (specific epithet "pusillum" meaning tiny or insignificant). The genus Bolbocerosoma is characterized by males possessing a distinct horn or tubercle on the head, with B. pusillum representing one of the smaller species in this genus. The two subspecies differ in geographic distribution and subtle morphological features, with B. p. townesi described from more western populations.

North America. The nominate subspecies Bolbocerosoma pusillum pusillum occurs in eastern regions, while B. p. townesi is found in more western areas of the continent.

Adults have been observed at mercury-vapor lights at night, indicating nocturnal activity patterns typical of many geotrupoid scarabs. The species exhibits burrowing behavior in soil substrates.

As an earth-boring scarab beetle, this species contributes to soil aeration and nutrient cycling through its burrowing activities. The specific ecological relationships of this species remain poorly documented.

• Bolbocerosoma farctumLarger congeneric species with similar morphology but greater body size
• Other Bolbocerosoma speciesDistinguished primarily by size, with B. pusillum being among the smallest in the genus

• Coleoptera
• Scarabaeoidea
• Bolboceratidae
• earth-boring beetle
• North America
• nocturnal
• light-attracted

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Grasshoppers of Colorado
• Grasshopper Collections and Survey
• Geotrupidae | Beetles In The Bush
• Bibliography | Beetles In The Bush