Scarabaeidae

Latreille, 1802

scarabs, scarab beetles

is a large of containing over 35,000 worldwide. Members are characterized by —plate-like that can be fanned out to detect odors—and often stout, bodies. The family exhibits remarkable diversity in size (1.5–160 mm), coloration, and . Many species are , though groups such as flower display bright metallic colors. The family includes , , , , and numerous agricultural pests. remains unstable, with several former elevated to family rank in recent revisions.

Dialytellus by no rights reserved, uploaded by Nick Bédard. Used under a CC0 license.

Calamosternus granarius by (c) Иван Пристрем, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Иван Пристрем. Used under a CC-BY license.

Cryptoscatomaseter magnificens by (c) Colin Croft, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Colin Croft. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scarabaeidae: //skærəˈbiːɪdiː//

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

Identification

are distinguished by their , in which the form leaf-like plates () that can be compressed into a ball or fanned outward. Most have stout, oval to elongated bodies with clubbed antennae that appear knobbed at rest. Many possess forelegs modified for digging, with broad, toothed . Males of some groups bear prominent horns on the or . are C-shaped, pale or with well-developed legs.

Images

Habitat

occupy diverse including forests, grasslands, agricultural fields, deserts, and wetland edges. Many are , living in soil or burrowing into decaying wood, , or compost. are associated with mammal droppings in pasture and rangeland. Some groups inhabit nests as . Larval stages typically occur underground, in decaying matter, or within rotting wood.

Distribution

Worldwide distribution across all continents except Antarctica. Greatest diversity occurs in tropical regions, particularly in the Neotropics, Afrotropics, and Southeast Asia. The is well-represented in temperate North America, Europe, and Australia.

Seasonality

Most are and active during warmer months. Flower () and many leaf chafers () are and active spring through summer. typically overwinter in soil or decaying matter, with adults emerging in late spring to summer. Specific timing varies by latitude and .

Diet

Highly variable across . (Scarabaeinae) feed on mammal . Many are , consuming decaying material or carrion. Some, such as the (), are herbivorous and feed on living plant foliage, flowers, or roots. Anteater (Cremastocheilus) are specialized of and . Flower consume nectar, pollen, and sap exuding from tree wounds.

Life Cycle

with , , , and stages. Females lay eggs in soil, , compost, decaying wood, or near nests depending on group. Larvae are C-shaped that through three , feeding and growing for weeks to months. Many overwinter as larvae or . occurs in earthen or within substrate. Adult timing varies; some species live one year, others longer.

Behavior

Many are strong fliers; flower possess a unique thoracic hinge allowing to remain closed during , producing a -like appearance. exhibit rolling, tunneling, or dwelling behaviors with . Some or produce sounds. Males of horned species engage in combat for mates or resources. Anteater scarabs employ death-feigning to gain entry to nests. Most are , though activity occurs in flower-associated groups.

Ecological Role

provide critical services by recycling nutrients, burying , reducing loads in pastures, and aerating soil. accelerate decomposition of matter. Some herbivorous species are significant agricultural pests. The represents an important food source for vertebrate and including birds, mammals, , and .

Human Relevance

Scarabaeus sacer was sacred in ancient Egypt, with amulets traded throughout the Mediterranean. Several are major agricultural pests: damages turf and ; canegrubs attack ; and damage lawns. have been for of and in pasture systems. Some species are collected for the pet trade, particularly large horned .

Similar Taxa

Passalidae (bess beetles)Flattened, parallel-sided body form and association with decaying wood; distinguished by uniformly segmented and stridulatory sound production when handled.
Chrysomelidae (leaf beetles)Similar size and metallic coloration in some ; distinguished by thread-like or clubbed but non- and different leg structure.
Elateridae (click beetles)Similar body shape and soil-dwelling ; distinguished by straight, or and the prosternal that enables the 'click' mechanism.