Scarab
Guides
Acoma mixta
Acoma mixta is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Howden in 1958. Adults measure 4.8–7.5 mm in length. The species is documented from Arizona, USA, though field observations suggest it may also occur in adjacent areas of New Mexico. Like other members of the genus Acoma, it is a dung-associated beetle, though specific ecological details remain limited.
Acrossus rubripennis
Acrossus rubripennis is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It is distributed across eastern North America, with records from Canada (New Brunswick, Nova Scotia, Ontario, Quebec) and the United States (Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, Ohio, Wisconsin). The species is characterized by its reddish wing covers (elytra), as indicated by the specific epithet "rubripennis" meaning "red-winged."
Acrossus rufipes
Night-flying Dung Beetle
Acrossus rufipes is a scarab beetle commonly known as the night-flying dung beetle. The species is notable for its strong negative phototaxis, remaining buried in soil or dung during daylight and emerging only after dark to fly and seek food or mates. It is among the largest members of its genus, with a robust body adapted for burrowing using its shovel-shaped head. The species has experienced taxonomic instability, having been classified under Aphodius before returning to Acrossus.
Aegialia cartwrighti
Aegialia cartwrighti is a small dung beetle in the subfamily Aegialiinae, described by Stebnicka in 1977. It belongs to a genus associated with sandy coastal and desert habitats. The species is known from limited records in the southeastern United States.
Aegialia opifex
Aegialia opifex is a species of aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1887. It belongs to the genus Aegialia, a group of small scarab beetles often associated with sandy coastal habitats. The species is documented from eastern North America, with records from both Canada and the United States.
Alloblackburneus lentus
Alloblackburneus lentus is a species of scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. Originally described as Aphodius lentus by Horn in 1870, it was later transferred to the genus Alloblackburneus. The species occurs in eastern and central North America, with records from the United States and Canada. As a member of the Aphodiinae, it belongs to a group commonly known as small dung beetles or aphodiine dung beetles, though specific ecological details for this species remain undocumented.
Anomala foraminosa
shining leaf chafer
Anomala foraminosa is a species of shining leaf chafer in the family Scarabaeidae. The species was described by Bates in 1888 and is currently classified under the genus Anomala, though it has also been placed in Paranomala in some taxonomic treatments. As a member of the Rutelinae subfamily, it belongs to a diverse group of scarab beetles commonly known as shining leaf chafers. The species has been documented in 61 observations on iNaturalist.
Anomala umbra
shining leaf chafer
Anomala umbra is a species of shining leaf chafer in the scarab beetle family Scarabaeidae. It belongs to the large genus Anomala, which contains numerous species commonly known as chafers. The specific epithet "umbra" refers to shadow or shade, possibly alluding to coloration or habitat preferences. Like other members of the genus, this species is likely associated with vegetation and may have larval stages that develop in soil.
Aphonus variolosus
Aphonus variolosus is a small rhinoceros beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae, described by John LeConte in 1847. It belongs to the tribe Pentodontini, a group characterized by reduced or absent horns in both sexes. The species is recorded from the southeastern United States.
Ataenius abditus
Ataenius abditus is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found across eastern and central North America, with records extending from Canada through the United States to Mexico. The species belongs to a genus of primarily dung-associated scarabs, though specific ecological details for this species remain limited in published literature.
Ataenius cognatus
slender dung beetle
Ataenius cognatus, commonly known as the slender dung beetle, is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. First described by LeConte in 1858, this small scarab beetle has a broad geographic distribution spanning North America, Central America, and Oceania. It belongs to the tribe Eupariini within the subfamily Aphodiinae, a group often associated with dung and decaying organic matter.
Ataenius fattigi
Ataenius fattigi is a species of aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is found in North America, with records from the eastern and central United States. The species was described by Cartwright in 1948. Like other members of the genus Ataenius, it is associated with decomposing organic matter.
Ataenius ovatulus
Ataenius ovatulus is a small aphodiine dung beetle described by Horn in 1871. It is native to the eastern and central United States, where it inhabits grassland and turfgrass environments. The species is part of a genus whose members are frequently associated with soil and thatch layers in managed grass systems.
Ataenius stephani
Ataenius stephani is a small dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, described by Cartwright in 1974. It belongs to the aphodiine subfamily, a group commonly associated with decomposing organic matter. The species has been documented in the southwestern United States and western Mexico.
Australaphodius frenchi
Australaphodius frenchi is a small aphodiine dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. The species exhibits an exceptionally broad geographic distribution spanning multiple continents, including Australia, Africa, North America, Central America, and South America. This wide range is unusual for aphodiine beetles and suggests either natural dispersal capabilities or human-mediated introduction. The species was described by Blackburn in 1892 from Australian material.
Bolbocerastes imperialis kansanus
Bolbocerastes imperialis kansanus is a subspecies of earth-boring dung beetle in the family Geotrupidae. Described by Cartwright in 1953, this subspecies is part of a group of beetles specialized for burrowing into soil. The genus Bolbocerastes contains species found in North America. As a member of the Bolboceratinae, this beetle likely exhibits the subfamily's characteristic adaptations for digging and subterranean life, though specific details for this subspecies remain poorly documented.
Bolbocerastes regalis
Regal Earth-boring Beetle
Bolbocerastes regalis is a species of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae. It is found in North America, specifically in the southwestern United States and northwestern Mexico. The species was described by Cartwright in 1953.
Bolbocerosoma confusum
Bolbocerosoma confusum is an earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae, described by Brown in 1928. It is native to North America, with documented records from Arkansas, Illinois, Iowa, Louisiana, Missouri, Oklahoma, and Texas. As a member of the bolboceratine geotrupids, it exhibits the family's characteristic fossorial adaptations for burrowing in soil.
Boreocanthon probus
A small dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, observed rolling rodent scats in sand dune habitat. The genus Boreocanthon comprises diminutive scarabs associated with small mammal droppings. This species has been documented in the southwestern United States.
Canthon chalcites
Coppery Dung Beetle
Canthon chalcites, commonly known as the Coppery Dung Beetle, is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a roller-type dung beetle native to North America, with a broad distribution across eastern and central United States and southern Canada. The species is part of the diverse Canthon genus, which includes many small to medium-sized dung beetles that exhibit ball-rolling behavior.
Canthon pilularius
common tumblebug, Eastern Tumblebug
Canthon pilularius is a ball-rolling (telocoprid) dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as the common tumblebug or Eastern Tumblebug. It is one of five North American species in the pilularius species group. Adults are known for their distinctive behavior of forming dung balls and rolling them away from deposition sites for burial and larval development.
Chilothorax distinctus
Chilothorax distinctus is a small dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It is native to the Palaearctic region and has been introduced to North America, where it has established populations across the United States and Canada. Like other aphodiine scarabs, it is associated with dung and decaying organic matter.
Chrysina gloriosa
glorious beetle, glorious scarab, Glorious Jewel Scarab
Chrysina gloriosa is a metallic green scarab beetle renowned for its striking iridescent appearance. Adults measure 20–30 mm in length and display bright green elytra with silver longitudinal stripes, though rare red and purple color forms occur. The species inhabits sky island mountain ranges in the southwestern United States and northern Mexico, where adults feed primarily on juniper foliage and larvae develop in decaying wood of Arizona sycamore. Active both diurnally and nocturnally, adults are most frequently encountered from June through August and are strongly attracted to ultraviolet light sources. The beetle's structural coloration arises from cholesteric liquid crystal organization of chitin molecules in the cuticle, producing optical properties that change with light incidence angle.
Chrysina woodi
Wood's jewel scarab
Chrysina woodi is a metallic green scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as Wood's jewel scarab. Adults measure 25–35 mm in length and are distinguished by their bright green coloration with green legs and blue tarsi. The species is native to the Chihuahuan Desert region, occurring in Chihuahua, Mexico, and extending into New Mexico and Texas in the United States. Adults have been documented feeding primarily on Texas black walnut (Juglans microcarpa). The species name was first published in 1884 as 'woodi' and takes precedence over the subsequent 'woodii' spelling of 1885 under ICZN Article 50.2.
Cinacanthus coquilletti
Cinacanthus coquilletti is a small dung beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It occurs in the southwestern United States, specifically in Arizona, California, and Nevada. The species was described by Linell in 1896 and belongs to a genus of aphodiine scarabs.
Copris howdeni
Howden's copri
Copris howdeni is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is native to the southeastern United States, with records from Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia. Like other members of the genus Copris, it is likely associated with mammal dung for feeding and larval development. The species was described by Matthews and Halffter in 1959.
Cremastocheilus beameri
Cremastocheilus beameri is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarab beetles. The species was described by Cazier in 1940. Two subspecies are recognized: Cremastocheilus beameri beameri and Cremastocheilus beameri pokorny Krajcik, 2014. Like other members of its genus, it is believed to be associated with ant colonies, though specific details of its biology remain poorly documented.
Cremastocheilus nitens
anteater scarab beetle
Cremastocheilus nitens is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarab beetles. Like other members of this genus, it lives within ant colonies as a predator of ant brood. The species is native to the central United States and exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for survival inside hostile ant nests, including dense armored exoskeletons and modified mouthparts for feeding on ant larvae and pupae.
Cremastocheilus planatus
Cremastocheilus planatus is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as "anteater scarabs." Adults are obligate predators of ant larvae and pupae within host colonies. The species exhibits specialized morphological adaptations for life inside ant nests, including dense armor and modified mouthparts for piercing soft-bodied prey. Like other members of the genus, it is believed to enter host colonies through death-feigning behavior, allowing worker ants to carry it inside.
Cremastocheilus planipes
Cremastocheilus planipes is a myrmecophilous scarab beetle in the genus Cremastocheilus, commonly known as anteater scarabs. These beetles are specialized inhabitants of ant colonies, where they live as predators of ant brood. The species exhibits remarkable morphological and behavioral adaptations for infiltrating and surviving within hostile ant nests. Like other members of its genus, C. planipes is poorly studied and infrequently encountered due to its cryptic lifestyle.
Cremastocheilus retractus
Cremastocheilus retractus is a species of anteater scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Like other members of its genus, this species is myrmecophilous, living within ant colonies where adults feed on ant larvae and pupae. The species occurs in central North America, with records from the United States and Mexico. Two subspecies are recognized: C. r. retractus and C. r. incisus.
Cryptoscatomaseter iowensis
Iowa Small Dung Beetle
Cryptoscatomaseter iowensis is a small dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Aphodiinae. It is known from the central plains of North America, with records from the northern United States and southern Canada. The species was described by Wickham in 1913 from Iowa. Like other members of Aphodiinae, it is presumed to be associated with dung, though specific ecological details remain poorly documented.
Cyclocephala borealis
Northern Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala borealis is a scarab beetle native to North America and a significant pest of turfgrass and cereal crops. Adults are small, dull yellow-brown beetles with darker facial markings and hairy wing covers. The species has a one-year life cycle with adults emerging in mid-June. Unlike many scarab beetles, adults do not feed; all damage is caused by root-feeding larvae (white grubs). The species is recognized as edible to humans.
Cyclocephala pasadenae
Southwestern Masked Chafer, Pasadena Masked Chafer
Cyclocephala pasadenae, commonly known as the southwestern masked chafer or Pasadena masked chafer, is a species of rhinoceros beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. Native to southwestern North America, it is one of several masked chafer species whose larvae are significant pests of turfgrass. The species is tan or auburn in color, approximately 13 mm in length, with some patterning on the elytra. Along with its congener Cyclocephala hirta, it is locally abundant in the Los Angeles basin.
Dialytes striatulus
Dialytes striatulus is a small aphodiine dung beetle described by Thomas Say in 1825. As a member of the Aphodiinae subfamily, it is associated with dung habitats and contributes to nutrient cycling. The species is documented across eastern and central North America, with records spanning from southeastern Canada to the eastern and central United States.
Dichelonyx
May beetles, junebugs
Dichelonyx is a genus of scarab beetles in the subfamily Melolonthinae, commonly known as May beetles or junebugs. The genus contains at least 30 described species and is classified within the tribe Dichelonychini. These beetles are primarily distributed across the Nearctic and Neotropical regions, with records from the United States including Vermont. The genus was first described by Harris in 1826.
Diplotaxis brachyptera
A small scarab beetle in the genus Diplotaxis, family Scarabaeidae, described by Patricia Vaurie in 1960. The species name 'brachyptera' (short-winged) suggests reduced flight capability. Records indicate presence in arid and semi-arid regions of the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Like other Diplotaxis species, adults are likely nocturnal and may aggregate on vegetation.
Diplotaxis brevicollis
short-necked scarab
Diplotaxis brevicollis is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species is distributed across western North America from Canada through the Rocky Mountains to Mexico. Adults are known to aggregate on low vegetation, apparently to detect pheromone trails for mate location. The specific epithet 'brevicollis' refers to the short-necked appearance of this beetle.
Diplotaxis liberta
Diplotaxis liberta is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species occurs across eastern North America from Canada to the southeastern United States, with additional records from the Caribbean. Adults are nocturnal and have been observed aggregating on low vegetation, apparently to detect pheromone trails while searching for mates. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, this species is difficult to identify without examination of male genitalia.
Diplotaxis muricata
Diplotaxis muricata is a small scarab beetle species in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The genus Diplotaxis comprises chafers—small to medium-sized scarabs often attracted to lights at night. The species was described by Schaeffer in 1907 and is known from the southwestern United States and adjacent Mexico. Like other Diplotaxis species, adults are likely nocturnal and may be found on low vegetation.
Diplotaxis rufa
Rufous Scarab Beetle
Diplotaxis rufa is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae. The species was described by Linell in 1896. Records indicate presence in the southeastern United States, specifically Florida and Georgia. As a member of the genus Diplotaxis, it belongs to a group commonly known as May beetles or June beetles, though specific biological details for this species remain poorly documented.
ScarabaeidaeMelolonthinaeColeopteraNearcticUSAFloridaGeorgia1896-descriptionLinellDiplotaxiniscarab-beetleMay-beetleJune-beetleLinell-1896Diplotaxis-rufa-Linell-1896scarabbeetleinsectarthropodanimalscarabaeoidpolyphagastaphyliniformiascarabaeoideadiplotaxisrufarufoussoutheastern-United-Statessoutheast-USNorth-AmericaNearctic-regionDiplotaxis saylori
Diplotaxis saylori is a small scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Melolonthinae, first described by Cazier in 1940. Like other members of the genus Diplotaxis, it is a chafer beetle with adults that are attracted to lights at night. The species is known from the southwestern United States, specifically Arizona. Little detailed biological information has been published for this particular species.
Dynastes grantii
Grant's Hercules Beetle, Western Hercules Beetle
Dynastes grantii is a large rhinoceros beetle native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adult males possess prominent thoracic horns used in combat, while females lack horns entirely. The species exhibits distinctive grayish-white elytra often marked with irregular black spots. With a body length ranging from 3.5 to 6.0 cm, it is among the largest beetles in its range. The species has a prolonged life cycle, with larvae requiring approximately two years to develop before pupation.
Euetheola rugiceps
Sugarcane Beetle
Euetheola rugiceps, commonly known as the sugarcane beetle, is a scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is a sporadic but serious pest of corn in parts of Texas, where damage to young plants by overwintered adults can result in plant death, stunting, or lodging. The species has one generation per year, with adults emerging from soil in spring and late summer to early fall. It is also known to damage sugarcane and other grass crops. The beetle is distributed across the eastern and central United States.
Euphoria inda
bumble flower beetle, brown fruit chafer, Indian cetonia
Euphoria inda is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as the bumble flower beetle. Adults are active pollinators that feed on pollen, nectar, sap, and damaged fruits. The species is notable for its distinctive flight behavior: adults do not lift their elytra during flight, causing the hindwings to vibrate inside and produce a buzzing sound. It is widely distributed across North America and has been documented in large numbers at fermented bait traps in prairie and woodland habitats.
Euphoria kernii
Kern's flower scarab
Euphoria kernii is a scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as Kern's flower scarab. The species exhibits extreme color polymorphism, with individuals ranging from all black to various combinations of black with white or yellow markings, to nearly entirely yellow. Adults are diurnal and frequently observed aggregating in flowers. The species occurs across the southern Great Plains and southwestern United States, extending into northern Mexico.
Euphoria monticola
Euphoria monticola is a species of flower scarab beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. It was originally described by Henry Walter Bates in 1889. The species was formerly considered conspecific with Euphoria fulgida but was recognized as distinct in a 2012 revision by Jesus Orozco. It is primarily distributed in the southwestern United States (Arizona, New Mexico) and mountainous regions of Mexico.
Geotrupes blackburnii blackburnii
Blackburn's earth-boring beetle
Geotrupes blackburnii blackburnii is a subspecies of earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae. It is a medium-sized beetle with entirely black coloration and a nearly impunctate pronotum, distinguishing it from the closely related G. splendidus. Adults are most commonly encountered in fall, particularly on mild days, and are frequently found on or near animal dung in high-quality woodland habitats. The species has a broad distribution across eastern North America.
Geotrupes semiopacus
Semi-opaque Earth-boring Scarab Beetle
Geotrupes semiopacus is an earth-boring scarab beetle in the family Geotrupidae. It is broadly distributed across eastern and central North America, ranging from Canada through the United States. The species is active primarily in fall and early winter, with adults observed from October until hard winter conditions set in. Like other members of the genus Geotrupes, it is associated with mammal dung and forest floor habitats.
Geotrupes splendidus
Splendid Earth-boring Beetle
A large, metallic earth-boring beetle in the family Geotrupidae, native to eastern North America. Adults are most commonly encountered in late fall and early winter, walking clumsily on trails through high-quality woodlands in search of mammal dung for feeding and oviposition. The species exhibits notable color polymorphism, with eastern populations typically bright green and western populations (including Missouri) ranging from yellow-green with golden or reddish hints to dark purple. Unlike true dung beetles, adults frequently feed on fungus and leaf litter, though dung remains important for larval development.