Phanaeus

MacLeay, 1819

Burrowing Dung Beetles, Rainbow Scarabs

Species Guides

8

Phanaeus is a of burrowing in the Scarabaeidae, commonly known as rainbow scarabs due to their often brilliant metallic coloration. Males typically possess prominent horns used in combat and manipulation. The genus is native to the Americas, with distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions. These beetles are tunnelers, excavating burrows beneath dung deposits to create balls for larval development and food caches for consumption.

Phanaeus texensis by (c) Reid Hardin, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Reid Hardin. Used under a CC-BY license.Phanaeus igneus by (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette. Used under a CC-BY license.Phanaeus by no rights reserved, uploaded by jeffjackson. Used under a CC0 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phanaeus: /fəˈniːəs/

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Images

Distribution

Nearctic and Neotropical regions. Native to the Americas from the United States through Central and South America.

Sources and further reading