Bumble Bee Scarab Beetles

Glaphyridae

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
Family: Glaphyridae

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Glaphyridae: //ɡlæˈfɪrɪdi//

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

Summary

Glaphyridae, commonly known as bumble bee scarab beetles, is a family of beetles characterized by specific morphological traits in their antennal structure and elytra. They have diverse interactions with flowers and are distributed worldwide.

Physical Characteristics

Antennomeres of the antennal club capable of being closed together; antennal club with 3-7 antennomeres; first antennomere simple, not hollowed out to receive the second; elytra shortened and widely divergent at apex, except in Lichnanthe lupina, which do not cover the pygidium; eighth morphological abdominal segment with spiracle.

Distribution

A family of beetles found worldwide, with eight extant genera and about 80 species; predominantly Holarctic with one Neotropical subfamily.

Ecosystem Role

Involved in flower-beetle interactions, particularly noted in the southeast Mediterranean region.

Evolution

Until recently, considered a subfamily of the Scarabaeidae. Two extinct genera described from the Aptian aged Yixian Formation of China.

Similar Taxa

Scarabaeidae