Geotrupinae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
Family: Geotrupidae
Subfamily: Geotrupinae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Geotrupinae: //dʒiːoʊˈtruːpɪniː//

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

Images

Geotrupes balyi by Mike Boone. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Geotrupes blackburnii - inat 56838436 by {{{name}}}. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Cnemotrupes blackburni by http://v3.boldsystems.org/index.php/Taxbrowser_Taxonpage?taxon=Geotrupes+blackburnii&searchTax=. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Geotrupes splendidus (50660934581) by Christina Butler from Georgia, United States. Used under a CC BY 2.0 license.

Geotrupes splendidus 160750395 by Matt Schultz. Used under a CC0 license.

American insects (1904) (17530045963) by Internet Archive Book Images. Used under a No restrictions license.

Summary

Geotrupinae is a diverse group of earth-boring scarab beetles with over 30 genera and 450 described species, known for their ecological role in soil aeration and organic matter decomposition.

Physical Characteristics

Subfamily Geotrupinae consists of earth-boring scarab beetles characterized by stout bodies and robust legs adapted for burrowing.

Identification Tips

Look for their distinctive smooth, shiny exoskeletons and short, stout antennae. The larvae are grub-like and can often be found in moist soil.

Habitat

Found in a variety of habitats including grasslands, forests, and agricultural areas, particularly where soils are moist and rich in organic matter.

Distribution

Primarily distributed in the Nearctic region, with 17 species spread across 4 genera in the area, including genera such as Geotrupes in the western NA and Mycotrupes in the southeastern US.

Diet

Adults are primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying organic material while larvae feed on decomposing vegetative matter in the soil.

Life Cycle

Geotrupinae undergo complete metamorphosis, developing from egg to larva, pupa, and then adult.

Reproduction

Mating occurs in the spring, followed by the female laying eggs in burrows or decaying organic matter.

Ecosystem Role

Plays an important role in soil aeration and nutrient recycling by burrowing and decomposing organic materials.

Collecting Methods

Hand collecting
Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

Ethanol immersion
Drying in a suitable medium

Evolution

Geotrupinae evolved as part of the broader polyphagous Scarabaeoidea superfamily, adapting to various ecological niches, particularly in soil environments.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Geotrupinae with harmful beetles, while they are primarily beneficial for soil health.