Other Common Names
Ant Scarabs, Anteater Scarab Beetles
Explanation of Names
Author of genus is
Knoch, 1801. Apparently a combination of cremaster, the apex of the last segment of the abdomen (Gr.
kremaster, a suspender--
Jardine), plus Greek
cheilo lip.
Identification
Typically flattened, dull, black. Elytra crinkled and/or pitted, not striated. Mouthparts highly modified, scooped underneath
(1). Larvae covered with long, silky hairs
(2).
Habitat
Adults sometimes found under dung, but usually found in ant nests.
Season
Adults typically found in spring, when apparently, disperse and/or seek mates. March-September (several species, North Carolina). March-June (several species, South Carolina).
Food
Adults may feed on ant brood
(3).
Life Cycle
These beetles are
myrmecophiles (1). Larvae may be predators of ant larvae, or may feed on vegetation collected by some ants, but the relationship is not clear
(4) (3). Adults often overwinter in ant mounds, and emerge in spring to mate
(4).
Print References
White, pp. 147-148, fig. 57--shows unique mouthparts
(1)
Powell and Hogue, p. 277, fig. 355
(2)
Sikes, p. 131, lists four species for Rhode Island, discusses life history briefly
(3).
Harpootlian, pp. 118-119, figs. 234-238--diagrams, 283--photo of specimen
(4)
Salsbury, p. 187, C knochi--photo
(5)
Arnett and Jacques, pp. 180-181, fig. 442--C. castaneae
(6)
Contributed by
Phillip Harpootlian on 28 March, 2005 - 7:15am
Additional contributions by
cotinisLast updated 11 May, 2008 - 10:46am
