Ceratocanthus aeneus

Distinguished from other small scarab beetles by its extreme body convexity and ability to conglobate into a nearly perfect ball. The metallic bronze-green coloration and compact form separate it from most other North American scarabs. Within Hybosoridae, it differs from the related genus Germarostes by subtle characters of the pronotum and prosternum structure.

Small, compact beetle with a highly convex, rounded body capable of conglobation. The elytra are smooth and shiny, with a metallic bronze or coppery-green luster (aeneus = "bronze-colored"). Antennae are short with lamellate clubs. Legs are short and stout, adapted for clinging rather than rapid movement.

Decaying wood and leaf litter in forested areas; associated with moist, decomposing organic matter where fungal growth occurs.

Eastern and southeastern United States: recorded from Alabama, Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, and Virginia.

When disturbed, conglobates (rolls into a tight ball) with appendages concealed, a defensive behavior characteristic of the subfamily Ceratocanthinae.

• Germarostes spp.Other North American pill scarabs in family Hybosoridae; differ in pronotal and prosternal structure, and typically lack the distinct metallic bronze-green luster of C. aeneus
• Other small scarab beetles (e.g., Aphodiinae, some Scarabaeinae)May share small size and dark coloration but lack the extreme body convexity and conglobation behavior; body form is more elongate or less compact

• conglobation
• metallic coloration
• decaying wood
• leaf litter
• Nearctic

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• Catalogue of Life
• Biology of Ceratocanthus aeneus (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Ceratocanthinae)