Peltotrupes profundus

Distinguished from other North American Geotrupidae by combination of deep burrowing behavior in sandy soils and geographic restriction to Florida. The genus Peltotrupes is separated from related genera such as Geotrupes by genitalic and external morphological characters detailed in Howden's 1955 revision. Subspecies dubius differs from nominate profundus in subtle morphological features.

Sandy substrates in Florida, including scrub and sandhill ecosystems. The common name "deep-digger" refers to its burrowing behavior in deep, well-drained sands.

Endemic to Florida, United States. North American distribution restricted to this single state.

Adults construct deep burrows in sandy soil. Larval development occurs in provisioned underground chambers, typical of Geotrupidae.

Adults are active burrowers, constructing deep tunnels in sandy substrates. This behavior is the source of the common name "deep-digger scarab."

As an earth-boring scarab, contributes to soil aeration and nutrient cycling through burrowing activity. Larval chambers are provisioned with organic material, though specific food sources for this species are not well documented.

Of interest to coleopterists and scarab specialists; no documented economic or agricultural significance.

• Geotrupes splendidusShares family Geotrupidae and general earth-boring habit, but occurs in eastern and central North America rather than Florida, and utilizes leaf litter and fungus more commonly than deep sandy burrows.
• Bolbocerosoma spp.Related geotrupid genus with burrowing behavior, but differs in morphology and geographic distribution.

• Geotrupidae
• Scarabaeoidea
• Florida endemic
• burrowing beetle
• sand specialist

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