Valgini
Guides
Valgus
Valgus is a genus of small scarab beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, subfamily Cetoniinae. Most described species occur in Asia, with some extending into northern Africa and Europe. Three species are native to the New World, and one species is found in South Africa. Adults are characterized by their strongly flattened bodies and distinctive scale-like setae covering both dorsal and ventral surfaces.
Valgus canaliculatus
Valgus canaliculatus is a tiny scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, measuring only 4–6 mm in length with a broad, strongly flattened body. The species belongs to the tribe Valgini, one of only two tribes in Scarabaeidae possessing dorsal and ventral scale-like setae. Adults exhibit strong sexual dimorphism in feeding behavior: only males visit flowers, using specially modified brush-like mouthparts to lap up nectar, while females do not feed on pollen. The species has been documented in association with termite galleries, where eggs are laid and larvae feed on wood within the galleries, though whether this termophily is obligatory remains unclear.
Valgus seticollis
Bristly-necked Valgus
Valgus seticollis is a small scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, tribe Valgini. It is one of two Valgus species native to North America, distinguished from the more widespread V. canaliculatus by its setose (bristly) pronotum. Adults are flower visitors, with males possessing brush-like mouthparts adapted for nectar feeding. The species is associated with termite colonies, where larvae develop in wood within termite galleries.