Mycotrupes

Mycotrupes

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Mycotrupes: //ˌmaɪkoʊˈtruːpiːz//

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Summary

Mycotrupes is a genus of earth-boring scarab beetles consisting of at least five species known for their unique ecological roles and sexual dimorphism. They are primarily found in the southeastern United States, occupying specific and isolated habitats.

Physical Characteristics

Dull granulate black; flightless; fused elytral suture; sexual dimorphism evident, with males typically having a cephalic horn and an indented margin between elytra and pronotum, and females having a uniformly convex pronotum. Males also possess distinct distal teeth on the protibiae that are forked.

Identification Tips

Look for males with pronounced cephalic horns and females that lack horns. The distinct indented margin between elytra and pronotum can also help in identification.

Habitat

Isolated deep xeric sand regions in the Southeast U.S., preferring upland areas with loamy soil, scrubby flatwoods, and red oak woods or pine-oak hickory forests.

Distribution

South Carolina, North Florida, Central Florida, Georgia. Species are often isolated geographically and ecologically.

Diet

Leaves, detritus, dung, and acorns. They spend most of their time underground, occasionally surfacing for activity.

Life Cycle

Life cycle includes a stage where larvae develop underground in organic matter.

Reproduction

Details not explicitly stated; typically involves oviposition by females in suitable substrate.

Conservation Status

At least one species, Mycotrupes pedester, is considered threatened and designated as a Species of Greatest Conservation Need (SGCN) in Florida.

Ecosystem Role

As earth-boring beetles, they play a role in soil aeration and nutrient cycling by breaking down organic material and dung.

Collecting Methods

  • Hand collecting
  • Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Pinning

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

The common habitat preferences and geographical distributions may lead to confusion in identifying species that are less well-documented.

Tags

  • Mycotrupes
  • scarab beetles
  • Geotrupidae
  • earth-boring beetles
  • insecta