Scarabaeidae Research Articles

Deconstructed beetles: Bilayered composite materials produce green coloration with remarkably high near-infrared reflectance

Beetle elytra (hardened forewings) are a promising source of inspiration to develop or enhance the performance of human-fabricated composite materials. The structures responsible for optical properties in the ultra-violet to visible spectrum (300–700 nm) have been extensively characterised, but we have limited knowledge of optical properties and their physical origin in the near-infrared (NIR; 700–1700 nm). We examined the elytra of three species of green scarab beetles (Xylonichus eucalypti, Anoplognathus prasinus and Paraschizognathus olivaceus) with very high NIR reflectance. We manually separated layers in the elytra to disambiguate their contributions to the overall optical response. We show that unlike other scarabs, nanostructures within the cuticle layer do not produce notable reflectance. Instead, the cuticle resembles a pigment-based filter with 50% transmittance in the NIR and absorption in the visible spectrum contributing to the green appearance. Each species has a layer below the cuticle that appears white to the naked eye and produces broadband reflectance, particularly in the near-infrared; however, the structure of the white underlay differs markedly between the three species. In A. prasinus and P. olivaceus, the structure is disordered (no regular, repeated elements at optical length scales); whereas in Xylonichus eucalypti, the white underlay was notably thinner and comprised quasi-ordered hollow cylindrical structures embedded in a chitin matrix. We modelled the coherent scattering produced by this structure to demonstrate that it is responsible for broadband visible and NIR reflectance. We discuss biological implications and technological applications of the composite structure of beetle elytra.

The effects of circularly polarized light on mating behavior and gene expression in Anomala corpulenta (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae).

Light is an important abiotic factor affecting insect behavior. In nature, linearly polarized light is common, but circularly polarized light is rare. Left circularly polarized (LCP) light is selectively reflected by the exocuticle of most scarab beetles, including Anomala corpulenta. Despite our previous research showing that this visual signal probably mediates their mating behavior, the way in which it does so is not well elucidated. In this study, we investigated how LCP light affects not only mating behavior but also gene expression in this species using RNA-seq. The results indicated that disruption of LCP light reflection by females of A. corpulenta probably affects the process by which males of A. corpulenta search for mates. Furthermore, the RNA-seq results showed that genes of the environmental signaling pathways and also of several insect reproduction-related amino acid metabolic pathways were differentially expressed in groups exposed and not exposed to LCP light. This implies that A. corpulenta reproduction is probably regulated by LCP light-induced stress. Herein, the results show that LCP light is probably perceived by males of the species, further mediating their mating behavior. However, this hypothesis needs future verification with additional samples.

An Eocene fossil scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) from Tanzania

A fossil scarabaeoid (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) Mahengea mckayi new genus, new species – the only well-preserved insect fossil and one of only a few insects found at the site – is described from an otherwise rich Eocene (~ 45.6 mya) maar Lagerstätte at Mahenge in central northern Tanzania. Numerous fossil fishes and plants have been recovered from this site and described. The dearth of insect fossils is surprising considering their richness in other deposits of similar origin and age. We suggest that the rich fish fauna present in the oxygen-rich parts of the water in the former volcanic crater lake may have scavenged most of the terrestrial insects that fell into the water. Although the fossil described here is undoubtedly that of a member of the Scarabaeoidea, the family placement remains unsure. Significance: We describe the first Eocene fossil scarab from Africa. It is one of only a few scarab fossils from the continent and one of the best-preserved insect (invertebrate) fossils from the deposit.

Effect of Larval Instar on Intraguild Predation and Cannibalization in Herbivorous Scarab Beetles

Effect of Larval Instar on Intraguild Predation and Cannibalization in Herbivorous Scarab Beetles

Study of the Tiphiidae Family (Insecta Hymenoptera) as Natural Enemies of Cicadas and Beetles

The females are Tiphiidae notable because they parasitize the tiger beetle lar and are powerful predators living predators that live in touch. The males are winged them spend most of their time flying or resting on the vegetation, being that the females are apterous, and invested much of their time below the surface. The larvae are parasitoids of beetle larvae (mostly scarab beetles). The objective of this paper is to determine the biology, ecology, life cycle taxonomy of the Tiphiidae Family. The methodological basis of the present work consists of bibliographical research that used the following databases SciELO, Central Library of the University of Brasília and scientific research, scientific book chapters, theses databases, university dissertations, national and international scientific articles classified by the Coordination for the Improvement of Higher Education Personnel (CAPES). The main terms used were: Hymenoptera Parasitic, parasitoid, hosts, Typhiidae and microhymenoptera.

The Complete Genome Sequence of Chrysina resplendens (Scarabaeidae, Coleoptera) the Golden Jewel Scarab.

Chrysina resplendens is a scarab beetle endemic to Central America. We present the whole genome sequence of this species. Illumina sequencing was performed on a genetic sample from a single captive individual. The reads were assembled using a de novo method followed by a series of references from related species for finishing. The raw and assembled data is publicly available via Genbank: Sequence Read Archive (SRR5170512) and Assembly (JAADJY000000000).

Anatomical changes of the beetle digestive tract during metamorphosis correspond to dietary changes.

During pupation, the tissues of holometabolous insects change in preparation for the adult lifestyles, although little literature exists examining this hidden process in detail. Using beetles as a model, we hypothesized that species where the adult and larva have the same diets will show less pronounced changes of the digestive tract during metamorphosis than species where the adults diets differ. We also wanted to observe these changes and document them at a level of detail missing from the current record. We compared the structure of the digestive tracts of scarab beetles Oryctes rhinoceros, Thaumastopeus shangaicus, and Protaetia spp. (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)-where the larvae eat wood, soil, or compost while the adults feed on soft plant matter, tree sap, and rotting fruits-with the tortoise beetle, Cassida circumdata (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae), which feeds on leaves as both larva and adult. In the scarab beetles we observed considerable changes in the digestive tracts during the pupal stage, which we could divide into distinct stages, while in the leaf beetle pupae, the gut did not change. This information can provide new insight into metamorphosis, and the illustrations of what occurs during pupation are novel contributions to this field that will facilitate future work.

Using MaxEnt Model to Predict the Potential Distribution of Three Potentially Invasive Scarab Beetles in China.

A hot topic in recent years is the prediction of the potential distribution of possible invasive insects. China is facing a great challenge due to invasive insects. Scarab beetles are a highly diverse group, and many of them are well-known invasive insects. Here, in order to prevent the invasion of scarab beetles in China, we screened the invasive insects globally and obtained a preliminary database of quarantine or invasive scarab beetles. From the obtained database, we selected the top five species (Popillia japonica, Heteronychus arator, Oryctes monoceros, Oryctes boas and Amphimallon majale) to discuss and analyzed the potential distribution of three species that have not invaded China by using the MaxEnt model. The prediction results show that every continent has potential distribution areas for these species. Specifically within China, Popillia japonica and Amphimallon majale were mainly concentrated in east central regions and Heteronychus arator and Oryctes boas were mainly distributed in the southwest areas, while Oryctes monoceros has no suitable area. Notably, Yunnan, Hunan, Jiangxi and Zhejiang province had a high risk of invasion. In general, local agriculture, forestry and customs departments in China should pay more attention to monitoring for the prevention of infestation by invasive insects.

A Cretaceous Chafer Beetle (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) with Exaggerated Hind Legs-Insight from Comparative Functional Morphology into a Possible Spring Movement.

The phenomenon of exaggerated morphological structures has fascinated people for centuries. Beetles of the family Scarabaeidae show many very diverse exaggerated characters, for example, a variety of horns, enlarged mandibles or elongated antennal lamellae. Here, we report a new Mesozoic scarab, Antiqusolidus maculatus gen. et sp. n. from the Lower Cretaceous Yixian Formation (~125 Ma), which has unusually robust and structured hind legs with greatly enlarged spurs and a unique elongated apical process. Based on simulations and finite element analyses, the function of these structures is hypothesized to support springing to aid movement and fighting. Based on available morphological characters, we performed phylogenetic analyses (maximum parsimony) of the main subfamilies and families of Scarabaeoidea. The results support the placement of Antiqusolidus gen. n. as a sister group of Rutelinae within the phytophagous lineage of pleurostict Scarabaeidae. Furthermore, the unusual delicate color marking patterns in the fossil specimens suggest that the new species might have been diurnal and potentially visited the leaves or flowers of Early Cretaceous plants. This morphological and functional study on this extinct scarab species provides new sights into exaggerated structures in Mesozoic insects.

Family Scoliidae as parasitoids of (Insecta: Hymenoptera) beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera)

Scoliidae waxes are solitary parasitoids from scarab beetle larvae. Female Scoliidae throws themselves into the ground in search of these larvae and then paralyze them with a string. Before laying the egg, they sometimes dig up the chamber and move the paralyzed beetle larva into it. Scoliidae wasps act as important biocontrol agents because many of the beetles they parasitize are pests, including the Japanese beetle. Male Scoliidae guards the territory, ready to mate with females emerging from the ground. Adult wasps can be flower pollinators of some plants and can find it on many flowers in late summer. The purpose of this paper is to describe the Family Scoliidae as parasitoids of (Insecta: Hymenoptera) beetles (Insecta: Coleoptera). For this, a bibliographic survey of Scoliidae was carried out oufromin the years 1971 to 2021. Only complete articles published in scientific journals and expanded abstracts presented at national and international scientific events were considered. Data were also obtained from Plataforma: Academia.edu, Frontiers, Qeios, Pubmed, Biological Abstract, Publons, Dialnet, World, Wide Science, Springer, RefSeek, Microsoft Academic, Science and ERIC.

Habitats and parasitoid abundance influence spatial density dependence patterns, rendering an asilid fly as a potential biological controller of white grubs

The behavioral response of a parasitoid shows the effect on host parasitism patterns at a given host distribution. As a result, an increase or decrease in parasitism intensity according to local host densities is found. This relationship could be proportional, positive, or negative, as a consequence of host foraging.Mallophora ruficaudais a parasitoid fly that parasitizesCyclocephala signaticollisscarab beetle larvae. Females search and place egg clusters overground in open grasslands. Larvae actively search hosts underground following chemical cues arising from the host itself. The parasitism patterns are a result of this complex host-searching strategy that is shared between both stages of the fly. In this work, we carried out a study at four spatial scales in apiaries located in the Pampas region of Argentina. We aimed to assess the potential ofM. ruficaudaas a control agent of white grubs. We found that parasitism has an inverse density-dependent in relation to low female activity and a direct density-dependent in relation to high female activity at the larger spatial scale. We found an inverse density-dependent pattern at the intermediate spatial scale. Parasitism is inversely density-dependent at both smaller spatial scales, associated with oviposition substrate availability and distance. Additionally,M. ruficaudadoes not select the oviposition substrates according to the abundance ofC. signaticollisinhabiting underground. We determined thatM. ruficaudacould act as a natural biological controller ofC. signaticollis. This work shows the importance of a proper scale for the analysis of factors that influence population dynamics of entomophagous insects and for evaluating their potential as biological control agents, and how environmental characteristics mold the parasitism patterns of this dipteran parasitoid.

Beauveria australis finds a new host in French dung beetles introduced to Australia

Exotic dung beetles have been introduced to Australia for over 50 years to mitigate issues caused by dung produced by livestock. This study aims at identifying fungi affecting a beetle colony and investigating their source. Fungal hyphae emerging from the cuticle of dead beetles were cultured and a multigene phylogeny showed that Beauveria bassiana and B. australis both infected these introduced beetles, likely acquired through local soil or dung. This is the first record of B. australis infecting family Scarabaeidae. This study highlights the importance of fungal outbreak management in insect rearing before release, and challenges associated with new pathogens.

The Current State and Future Potential of Microbial Control of Scarab Pests

Injury and control costs for the invasive scarab Japanese beetle (Family Scarabeidae, Popillla japonica) alone is estimated at $450 million per year in the U.S. Chemical controls are commonly used to control scarab pests, but concerns about human safety and negative impacts on beneficial and non-target organisms, such as pollinators, are increasingly driving the market towards less toxic and more environmentally friendly management options. Microbial entomopathogens are excellent candidates for biopesticides and biocontrol agents. Although microbial pesticides currently make up only 1–2% of the insecticide market, the discovery and development of new microbes are increasing. Microbial products are non-toxic to humans and most are species-specific, reducing non-target effects. While some are slow-acting, others provide rapid control and some can be as efficacious as chemical insecticides, particularly when used in combination. Another major advantage of microbial controls is that many can persist in the environment, and become biocontrol agents, providing long-term control and reducing costs. This article provides a summary of the microbial entomopathogens that are known to infect scarab beetle species including bacterial, fungal, viral, microsporidian, and protozoan taxa, as well as the existing formulations and their efficacy. Lesser-known microbial species are also discussed as potential future controls. We also discuss the development of new techniques for improving efficacy, such as genetic engineering, synergistic interactions, auto-dissemination strategies, and improved formulations.

Ecological role of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and their diversity in India

India has an incredibly rich biological diversity as a result of its unique biogeographic locations, varying climatic circumstances, and significant ecological and geographic adaptations. The family Scarabaeidae, which includes scarab beetles, is a significant group of beetle species. Scarab beetles can be found in many places in India due to differences in geographic regions as well as variations in latitude and altitude. In India, 1590 species of scarab beetles belonging to 203 genera were reported. The relatively enormous size, bright insignia, complex decorating, and fascinating life cycles of adult individuals make them easy to identify. The role of dung beetles to nitrogen cycling, enhancing plant development, secondary seed distribution, bioturbation, and parasite control are outlined here. There are a few crucial coprophagous beetles belonging to Scarabaeinae subfamily that support ecosystems by consuming animal faeces both as adults and larvae. Despite extensive research on many facets of the environmental history of dung beetles, little is recognized about their precise contribution to the nitrogen cycle, CH4 emissions, organic matter decomposition, greenhouse gas emissions, NH3 volatilization, waste management, ecosystem stability, forest and agro-pastoral cycles of nutrients, and the soil and agricultural cycles. This review is aimed to summarize the scarab beetle distribution status in India and their ecological contribution to the scientific community in a wide range of areas.

A baseline account of scarabaeid beetles of area within and around historic Ahmednagar city (Maharashtra) India

The present study provides a preliminary account of Scarabaeid (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) beetles of some areas in and around Ahmednagar city, Maharashtra, India. A total of 27 scarabaeoid taxa representing 22 genera and 4 families were recorded. Family Scarabaeidae is the most diverse of all 4 families recorded. The Scarabaeidae is represented by 24 taxa under 5 subfamilies (Scarabaeinae, Cetoniinae, Dynastinae, Melolonthinae, and Rutelinae). The important scarabaeoid families such as Geotrupidae, Hybosoridae, Trogidae are also represented from study area. The scarabaeid beetles were recorded for the first time from the study area, including 5 different localities in and around Ahmednagar city. The genus Onthophagus was the most dominant comprising 05 species. The result obtained serves as baseline information on the diversity and abundance of Scarab beetles of Ahmednagar. It will be helpful for future research on the beetle fauna of the study area.

Iridescent Beetle Adornments Suggest Incipient Status Competition among the Earliest Horticulturalists in Bears Ears National Monument

AbstractAnthropological research has long theorized that emergent food-producing economies catalyzed high levels of inequality in human societies, as evident in the earliest use of jewelry made from gold, copper, and other precious minerals among early agricultural populations. Although the US Southwest appears to have been an exception, we report the discovery of two Basketmaker II period necklaces constructed of green iridescent scarab beetle femora, which suggests a homologous association between emergent agriculture and inequality. Drawing insight from ethnography, archaeology, entomology, and evolutionary ecology, we hypothesize that these and other jewelry items of Basketmaker II culture were visually prominent, honest signals of socioeconomic capital that emerged during a period of surplus food production and incipient wealth accumulation. It appears that Basketmaker II societies—like other emergent food-producing economies around the world—grappled with the opportunities and challenges that arise with surplus production, albeit in a distinct way that involved visually striking insect and feather adornments as status signals. Archaeologists may have previously overlooked this behavior due to Western biases that privilege precious metals and minerals as prestige objects and archaeological biases that tend to view insects as food or agents of site disturbance.

Larvae of Spirocerca lupi and another spirurid species in the same dung beetles: notes on species identification.

Various dung beetle species of the family Scarabaeidae have been reported as intermediate hosts of Spirocerca lupi from different geographical locations, but there has been no data from south-east Asian countries. In the present study in Vietnam, by using morphological and molecular approaches, we identified the third-stage larvae of S. lupi for the first time in two dung beetle species, Catharsius molossus and Copris szechouanicus, adding them as new intermediate hosts of this nematode. In addition, both beetle species were infected with larvae of another spirurid nematode of Physocephalus sp. At large magnifications above 200×, these two spirurid larvae can be differentiated from each other by their body size (1880-2662 vs. 1417-1635 μm) and detailed morphological features of the anterior and posterior ends, such as the length of the buccal cavity, the position of the nerve ring and excretory pore, and tail characters. However, it is difficult to distinguish them at a lower magnification due to their minute size. Moreover, morphometric data of S. lupi larvae vary among reports and the body length may overlap with that of Physocephalus sp., thus, misidentification may occur, indicating the necessity of careful examination for accurate identification. The findings of the present study also supposed that larvae of S. lupi and more spirurid nematodes may be concurrently found in various dung beetle species, including C. molossus and C. szechouanicus, in other south-east Asian countries. Thus, more investigations in various countries should be conducted to identify spirurid larvae from dung beetles in order to fully understand their role as intermediate hosts of S. lupi and other spirurid nematodes.

Insetos de solo associados à cultura de cana-de-açúcar em Mato Grosso do Sul, Brasil

ABSTRACT: Pest insects are one of the major factors affecting the productivity of sugarcane, and especially those associated with the soil, which damage the crop if not controlled. There is little information on the insect associated with the soil in the sugarcane crop in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, Brazil. This study evaluated the occurrence, abundance and population variation of soil-associated insects in sugarcane crops in four counties in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul during a period from September 2009 to August 2010. For the capture of insects, deep in the soil trenches were (50 x 50 x 30 width x length x depth). It was observed that county of Maracaju has a high incidence of soil insects in sugarcane crop. Specimens of the family Scarabaeidae are abundant in sugarcane fields of the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, being Liogenys suturalis the predominant species. Soil insects of the Chrysomelidae family were found with greater abundance in Dourados and Naviraí while Noctuidae, represented only by the Hyponeuma taltula, occurred mainly in Dourados. Insects of the family Termitidae occur in sugarcane fields in the counties of Maracaju and Naviraí but not in Nova Alvorada do Sul and Dourados. Sphenophorus levis and Metamasius hemipterus were alsoreported in the sugarcane fields from Maracaju, being the occurrence these species the first record in the Mato Grosso do Sul State. The determined occurrence of different soil insects in the sugarcane fields may help in their management in the four counties studied.

Mitochondrial phylogenomics reveals deep relationships of scarab beetles (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae).

In this study, we newly sequenced the complete mitochondrial genomes (mitogenomes) of two phytophagous scarab beetles, and investigated the deep level relationships within Scarabaeidae combined with other published beetle mitogenome sequences. The complete mitogenomes of Dicronocephalus adamsi Pascoe (Cetoniinae) and Amphimallon sp. (Melolonthinae) are 15,563 bp and 17,433 bp in size, respectively. Both mitogenomes have the typical set of 37 genes (13 protein-coding genes, 22 transfer RNA genes, two ribosomal RNA genes) and an A+T-rich region, with the same gene arrangement found in the majority of beetles. The secondary structures for ribosomal RNA genes (rrnL and rrnS) were inferred by comparative analysis method. Results from phylogenetic analyses provide support for major lineages and current classification of Scarabaeidae. Amino acid data recovered Scarabaeidae as monophyletic. The Scarabaeidae was split into two clades. One clade contained the subfamilies Scarabaeinae and Aphodiinae. The other major clade contained the subfamilies Dynastinae, Rutelinae, Cetoniinae, Melolonthinae and Sericini. The monophyly of Scarabaeinae, Aphodiinae, Dynastinae, Cetoniinae and Sericini were strongly supported. The Scarabaeinae was the sister group of Aphodiinae. The Cetoniinae was sister to the Dynastinae + Rutelinae clade. The Melolonthinae was a non-monophyletic group. The removal of fast-evolving sites from nucleotide dataset using a pattern sorting method (OV-sorting) supported the family Scarabaeidae as a monophyletic group. At the tribe level, the Onthophagini was non-monophyletic with respect to Oniticellini. Ateuchini was sister to a large clade comprising the tribes Onthophagini, Oniticellini and Onitini. Eurysternini was a sister group of the Phanaeini + Ateuchini clade.

Shining leaf chafers (Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) and rhino beetles (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) of the Macau SAR, China

ABSTRACT Recent observations and a review of historical collections and literature have revealed that the diversity of scarab beetles in the Macau Special Administrative Region (SAR) of South China is substantially higher than previously reported. In this latest account, nine identified species are reported from this area in the Rutelinae subfamily, within the genera Adoretus, Anomala, Mimela, Pseudosinghala and Popillia. The subfamily Dynastinae appears to be locally represented by two species within the complex oriental genus Xylotrupes and the more widespread genus Alissonotum, respectively. With the exception of A. rubripes rubripes, P. mutans and X. siamensis, which are observed regularly and in reasonable numbers, all the other species are recorded very infrequently and often as single individuals. Thus, while the biodiversity potential of the region is relatively high, most species appear to be under threat of local extinction. This can be attributed mainly to the rapid habitat degradation, use of pesticides and extreme light pollution that are currently occurring in this SAR.