Explanation of Names
Author of subfamily is
MacLeay 1819, or, depending on the rules of nomenclature,
Kirby 1825
(1). Named after the genus
Dynastes.
Identification
Robust, often large scarabs, a few groups of spectacular size. Dorsal surface in most groups rounded and several groups have horns. Typical characters:
mandibles expanded, leaflike, usually visible from above, often notched or toothed
labrum hidden beneath
clypeus
antennae with 9-10 segments, last three segments usually forming a small club
claws of middle and rear
tarsi simple, usually similar in size
apex (end) of posterior (and/or middle?)
tibia with two prominent spurs
Tribe
Cyclocephalini: both sexes unarmed, males typically with large front claws, either yellowish or black
Tribe
Pentodontini: both sexes unarmed, pronotum often with distinct apical depression, hind tibia with apical edge truncate, black or brown
Tribe
Oryctini: males armed, large, brown
Tribe
Phileurini: distinctly flattened, generally black, head often with horns or tubercles
Tribe
Dynastini: large, sexually dimorphism obvious
Print References
Harpootlian, subfamily characteristics p. 11, description and key to tribes pp. 104-105
(1)
White,
Field Guide to the Beetles (2)
Dillon, key to scarab subfamilies, p. 506
(3)
Endrödi, S. 1985. The Dynastinae of the World. Series Entomologica, Volume 28, W. Junk, Dordrecht. 800 pp., 46 plates.
Internet References
Ratcliffe (2001),
Generic Guide to New World Scarab Beetles--description of subfamily Dynastinae
