Phanaeus texensis

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Scarabaeinae
Tribe: Phanaeini
Genus: Phanaeus
Species: texensis

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Phanaeus texensis: /fəˈniːəs tɛkˈsɛn.sɪs/

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Images

Phanaeus triangularis ssp. texensis by jeffjackson. Used under a CC0 license.

Summary

Phanaeus texensis is a North American dung beetle species that thrives in forested regions of Texas and its neighboring areas, primarily feeding on mammalian dung and contributing to soil health.

Habitat

Prefers forested and semiforested areas with rocky soils.

Distribution

Found in southern Oklahoma and northeastern New Mexico, primarily in Texas.

Diet

Adults generally feed on mammalian dung.

Life Cycle

Bivoltine with peaks in March-May and September-November.

Ecosystem Role

Dung beetles, including Phanaeus texensis, improve soil communities.

Evolution

Considered a separate species from Phanaeus triangularis albeit often included as a subspecies.