Synonyms and other taxonomic changes
Until recently these beetles were included in the
Scarabaeidae family, as subfamily Geotrupinae.
Identification
Eleven-segmented antennae, unlike the Scarabs which have fewer segments.
Bodies are stout and often hemispherical.
Two subfamilies, as follows
Geotrupinae (left): Antenna with club small. Body largely black with or without metallic sheen.
Bolboceratinae (right): Antenna with club large. Body brown, some with black markings.
Habitat
These beetles spend most of their lives in burrows one to four feet down, often under dung or carrion.
Food
Larvae feed on dung or carrion. Adults feed on dung or fungi, or do not feed at all.
Print References
American Beetles, Vol. 2, Chapter 29
(2)
Howden, H.F. 1955. The biology and taxonomy of the North American beetles of the subfamily Geotrupinae with revisions of the genera Bolbocerosoma, Eucanthus, Geotrupes, and Peltotrupes (Scarabaeidae). Proceedings of the United States National Museum 104: 151-319.
Internet References
Generic Guide to New World Scarab Beetles--
Geotrupidae
