Cremastocheilus squamulosus
LeConte, 1858
Cremastocheilus squamulosus is a of anteater scarab beetle in the Scarabaeidae. Like other members of its , it is a myrmecophile that lives within colonies. The species occurs in the southeastern United States, where it has been recorded from Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Cremastocheilus squamulosus: //kɹɛmæstoʊˈkiːləs skwæmjʊˈloʊsəs//
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Identification
Specific diagnostic features for C. squamulosus are not documented in available sources. The Cremastocheilus is characterized by small (approximately 10 mm), flattened, angular bodies with dense, heavily armored bearing pits or wrinkles. possess enlarged, shield-like covering the mouthparts from below, and modified adapted for piercing larvae. Trichomes—brushes of glandular hairs—occur on the hind angle of the pronotum. -level identification within the genus requires examination of specific morphological characters not detailed in current literature.
Habitat
Associated with nest mounds, particularly those of mound-building Formica . The species inhabits the interior of active ant colonies, where it completes its .
Distribution
Southeastern United States: Florida, Georgia, North Carolina, and South Carolina.
Diet
feed on larvae and pupae. Larvae feed on decaying vegetation that ants have composted within the nest mound.
Host Associations
- Formica - primary mound-building
Life Cycle
Females lay singly in soil around the periphery of nest mounds. Larvae pass through three instars, feeding on decaying vegetation composted by ants. occurs in oval chambers constructed from soil particles. The complete cycle from egg to takes approximately four months. Adults emerge in late summer or fall, enter ant nests by means of death-feigning , and overwinter before feeding on ant in spring.
Behavior
employ (death-feigning) to gain entry to colonies: they remain motionless with legs outstretched in areas trafficked by ants, which carry the apparently dead into the nest. Newly emerged adults accumulate colony scent while moving slowly toward the nest center, presumably achieving chemical camouflage. Adults are largely during winter and become active of ant in spring. Larvae defend themselves against ant attack by striking with their jaws and secreting repulsive liquids from mandibular and anal glands.
Ecological Role
within colonies. The functions as a specialized that exploits the nutritional resources and protective environment of ant nests.
Similar Taxa
- Cremastocheilus armatusCongeneric with similar myrmecophilous lifestyle and morphological adaptations; distinguished by specific structural characters not detailed here
- Other Cremastocheilus speciesAll members of share myrmecophily, death-feigning entry , and on ; identification requires detailed morphological examination
More Details
Trichome function
The trichomes on the pronotum were originally hypothesized to secrete attractants or pacifying substances for ants, but this function has not been substantiated and their purpose remains unresolved.