Entomology Commons^™

Toward A Brighter Future For Entomological Collections, Susan Weller

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Entomology collections, and natural history collections more generally, are critical research infrastructure. Specimens and metadata such as specimen labels, field notebooks, images, dissections, genetic sequences, and host plant data (to name a few) enable team science to examine biological diversity through time and study the impacts of humans on landscapes and climate (Johnson et al. 2023). However, some do not grasp the connection between drawers of insect specimens and modern science driven by advances in computational methods, molecular biology, and big data. Scientific specimens are key to connecting large-scale research questions within and among entomology and other disciplines.

Architecture, Construction, Retention, And Repair Of Faecal Shields In Three Tribes Of Tortoise Beetles (Coleoptera, Chrysomelidae, Cassidinae: Cassidini, Mesomphaliini, Spilophorini), Caroline Simmrita Chaboo, Sally Adam, Kenji Nishida, Luke Schletzbaum

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Animal constructions are the outcomes of complex evolutionary, behavioural, and ecological forces. A brief review of diverse animal builders, the materials used, and the functions they provide their builders is provided to develop approaches to studying faecal-based constructions and faecal-carrying in leaf beetles (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). Field studies, rearing, dissections, photography, and films document shields constructed by larvae in two species in two tribes of the subfamily Cassidinae, Calyptocephala attenuata (Spaeth, 1919) (Spilophorini), and Cassida sphaerula Boheman, 1853 (Cassidini). Natural history notes on an undetermined Cassidini species and Stolas cucullata (Boheman, 1862) (Tribe Mesomphaliini) outline the life cycle of tortoise beetles …

A New Species Of Spodochlamys Burmeister, 1855 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anatistini) From Colombia And A Key And Checklist Of Spodochlamys Species, Kazuo Kobayashi, Brett Ratcliffe

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Spodochlamys keitai Kobayashi and Ratcliffe is described as a new species from Otanche in Boyacá Department, Western Boyacá Province, in northeastern Colombia. A description, diagnosis separating it from similar species, and illustrations are provided. An identification key and a checklist of Spodochlamys Burmeister species are included.

A Review Of The Genus Colacus Ohaus, 1910 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Agaocephalini) With Description Of A New Species From Peru, Luis Figueroa, Brett Ratcliffe, Jhon César Neita-Moreno

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Colacus cuchimilco Figueroa and Ratcliffe is described as a new species from the Puerto Viejo wetland in the Lima Department of Peru. A description, a diagnosis separating it from similar species, illustrations, and a distribution map are provided.

The Beetle Chronicler, Chris Dunker, Kayla Wolf, Brett Ratcliffe

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Longtime UNL entomologist names beetles for dragons

Gymnetis rhaegali, Gymnetis drogoni, Gymnetis viserioni, Ambyoproctus boondocksius, Cyclocephala nadanotherwon, Strategus longichomperus

University of Nebraska entomology professor Brett Ratcliffe, who also curates the Nebraska State Museum's beetle collection, shows elephant beetles, a member of the scarab beetle family, in his office in Nebraska Hall.

Unlike their namesakes, three species of scarab beetles newly described by University of Nebraska-Lincoln entomologist Brett Ratcliffe do not breathe fire. Or, at least, entomologists and field researchers haven't observed them doing so.

Nor do the scarabs have the thick, reptilian scales and leathery wings like the trio of …

The Longhorn Beetles (Coleoptera: Cerambycidae) Of Nebraska, Usa: New State Records, A Checklist Of Known Species, And Distribution Maps, Stephen M. Spomer

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

One hundred eighty-three species/subspecies of longhorn beetles are recorded from Nebraska, an increase of 19 species since 1971. The greatest number of recent discoveries have come from sites along the Missouri River, especially Indian Cave State Park in southeastern Nebraska, as well as the Pine Ridge at Chadron, Nebraska.

Floral Associations Of Cyclocephaline Scarab Beetles, Matthew Robert Moore, Mary Liz Jameson

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The scarab beetle tribe Cyclocephalini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) is the second largest tribe of rhinoceros beetles, with nearly 500 described species. This diverse group is most closely associated with early diverging angiosperm groups (the family Nymphaeaceae, magnoliid clade, and monocots), where they feed, mate, and receive the benefit of thermal rewards from the host plant. Cyclocephaline floral association data have never been synthesized, and a comprehensive review of this ecological interaction was necessary to promote research by updating nomenclature, identifying inconsistencies in the data, and reporting previously unpublished data. Based on the most specific data, at least 97 cyclocephaline beetle …

Observations Of Oviposition Behavior Among North American Tiger Beetle (Coleoptera: Carabidae: Cicindelinae) Species And Notes On Mass Rearing, Mathew L. Brust, C. Barry Knisley, Stephen M. Spomer, Kentaro Miwa

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Although the larvae of a large number of North American tiger beetle species have been described, little information exists on the oviposition behavior of female tiger beetles at the species level. In this study, we found that the oviposition behavior varied widely among species, with some species utilizing more than one method. We found that, contrary to many references, several tiger beetle species did not oviposit from above the soil surface by inserting the ovipositor into the soil. Instead, several species oviposited by tunneling over 20 mm below the soil surface. In addition, we outline recently used successful protocols for …

A Review Of The Blaesiina (Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae, Cetoniinae, Gymnetini), Brett C. Ratcliffe

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The two genera comprising the subtribe Blaesiina (Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae: Gymnetini) are reviewed. Each genus contains two species, with Blaesia Burmeister occurring in southern South America and Halffterinetis Morón & Nogueira occurring in northern Mexico. Descriptions, keys, distributions, biology, and illustrations are provided. The biogeography of the Blaesiina is discussed with a hypothesis to explain the current disjunct distributions. I provide a new state record for Halffterinetis gonzaloi Morón & Nogueira in San Luis Potosí, Mexico.

Synopsis Of The Aroid Scarabs In The Genus Peltonotus Burmeister (Scarabaeidae, Dynastinae, Cyclocephalini) From Sumatra And Description Of A New Species, Mary Liz Jameson, Stanislav Jakl

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

We provide a synopsis of the Sumatran species in the scarab beetle genus Peltonotus Burmeister (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini), describe a new species of Peltonotus from Sumatra, and describe the male of P. cybele Jameson & Wada from Sumatra (previously known only by the female holotype). To enable identification, we include a key to the five Sumatran species of Peltonotus, comparative images and diagnoses for all species, and temporal and geographical distributions.

The South American Dung Beetle Genus Ennearabdus Lansberge (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae: Eucraniini), Federico C. Ocampo

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The South American endemic dung beetle genus Ennearabdus Lansberge is revised. Description, diagnosis and illustrations are presented for the only known species of the genus, E. lobocephalus (Harold). A lectotype is designated for Onthophagus lobocephalus Harold, the type species of Ennearabdus. The biology, biogeography, conservation status, and distribution based on the predictive distribution model of E. lobocephalus are also discussed.

A Revision Of The Argentinean Endemic Genus Eucranium Brullé (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Scarabaeinae) With Description Of One New Species And New Synonymies, Federico C. Ocampo

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The South American genus Eucranium Brullé has been revised and now includes six species: E. arachnoides Brullé, E. belenae Ocampo new species, E. cyclosoma Burmeister, E. dentifrons Guérin-Méneville, E. planicolle Burmeister, and E. simplicifrons Fairmaire. Eucranium pulvinatum Burmeister is a new junior synonym of Eucranium arachnoides Brullé, and Eucranium lepidum Burmeister is a new junior synonym of E. dentifrons Guérin-Méneville. The following lectotypes and neotypes are designated: Eucranium pulvinatum Burmeister, lectotype; Eucranium planicolle Burmeister, lectotype; Psammotrupes dentifrons Guérin-Méneville, neotype; and Eucranium lepidum Burmeister, neotype. Description of the genus and new species, diagnosis and illustrations, and distribution maps are provided for …

Biological Observations And A New State Record Of Paracotalpa Granicollis Haldeman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) In New Mexico, Paul Kaufman, Mary Liz Jameson

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Specimens of Paracotalpa granicollis Haldeman (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae) collected in northwestern New Mexico represent a new state record for the species. Individuals (males only) were observed in association with Juniperus osteosperma Torr. Little (Juniper; Cupressaceae). We provide an overview of the biology of species in the genus Paracotalpa Ohaus and discuss biological observations of P. granicollis.

Two Additional Invasive Scarabaeoid Beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae) In Hawaii, Mary Liz Jameson, Darcy E. Oishi, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Grant T. Mcquate

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Two species of dynastine scarab beetles are reported for the first time on the island of Hawaii: the Pasadena masked chafer, Cyclocephala pasadenae (Casey) (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Cyclocephalini) from North America and Temnorhynchus retusus (Fabricius) (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Pentodontini) from Africa. The Pasadena masked chafer is established on the island of Hawaii, is a recognized pest of turf grass, and is a concern for agriculture and native Hawaiian arthropod species. Temnorhynchus retusus is not known to be an agricultural pest, but its spread on the islands could pose a problem for Hawaiian native species. We provide an overview of each species, characteristics …

Sondeo Biótico E Inventario De Los Escarabajos Dinastinos De Mesoamérica, Norteamérica Y Las Antillas: Un Proyecto Multinacional A Largo Plazo, Ronald D. Cave, Brett C. Ratcliffe

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

A Biotic Survey and Inventory of the Dynastine Scarab Beetles of Mesoamerica, North America, and the West Indies: a Long-term, Multi-country Project. Our long-term, multi-country inventory explores the diversity of the subfamily Dynastinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in a megadiverse region seriously imperiled by deforestation, invasive species, and urbanization. The project’s objectives are (1) study and document the diversity, spatial and temporal distributions, and ecological preferences of dynastines north of South America, and clarify the nomenclature of the genera and species; (2) disseminate knowledge to the scientific community, students, and public through monographs and an electronic database; (3) train students, parataxonomists, and …

Revision Of The Genus Chalcasthenes Arrow (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Oryctoderini) From The Solomon Islands, Mary Liz Jameson, Brett C. Ratcliffe

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Abstract The genus Chalcasthenes Arrow (Dynastinae: Oryctoderini), a scarab beetle genus endemic to the Solomon Islands, is reviewed. Based on examination of type specimens, the genus Strehlia Frey (Rutelinae: Rutelini: Parastasiina) is a new junior synonym of Chalcasthenes. The historical classification of these genera (either in the subfamily Dynastinae or Rutelinae) and character-based criteria for assigning the taxa to the Dynastinae are provided. We discuss character states that support the monophyly of members of the genus Chalcasthenes, comment on the distribution and biogeography of species in the genus and provide a key to species. The genus includes four …

Review Of The Genus Microchilus Blanchard (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Geniatini), Mary Liz Jameson

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The Brazilian scarab beetle genus Microchilus Blanchard (Rutelinae: Geniatini) is reviewed. Based on examination of type specimens, Microchilus beckeri Martínez is transferred to the genus Leucothyreus becoming L. beckeri (Martínez), new combination; Leucothyreus bucki Machatschke is a new junior synonym of L. beckeri (Martínez). Microchilus is limited to two species, M. beckeri (Martínez) and a new species, Microchilus rodmani Jameson, here described. Characters that circumscribe the genus, biology, and species distribution are discussed.

The Dynastinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Of The Bahamas With A Description Of A New Species Of Cyclocephala From Great Inagua Island, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Ronald D. Cave

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The seven genera and 13 species of dynastine scarabs recorded from the Bahamas are reviewed. Two of those species are endemic, including Cyclocephala dolichotarsa Ratcliffe and Cave, new species, described from Great Inagua Island. Eleven species are also known to occur in the USA and/or Cuba. Six species are probably not established based on infrequency of collection.

A Biotic Survey And Inventory Of The Dynastine Scarab Beetles Of Mesoamerica, North America, And The West Indies: Review Of A Long-Term, Multicountry Project, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Ronald D. Cave

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

This biotic inventory will document the species-level diversity of dynastine scarabs, their spatial and temporal distributions, ecological preferences, and biology. The long term, multi-country research project explores a biotically megadiverse region that is seriously at risk from deforestation, environmental homogenization, invasive species, and urban sprawl. Objectives of this survey are: 1) to understand the biodiversity of dynastine scarab beetles in Mesoamerica; 2) disseminate this information in print and electronic forms; 3) train students, parataxonomists, and collection managers in the study area about dynastine taxonomy and identification, care of collections, dissemination of information, and conservation; and 4) assemble authoritatively identified voucher …

Ozodius, N. Gen., For The Australian Members Of The Genus Drepanocanthoides Schmidt (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae), Paul E. Skelley

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The genus name Drepanocanthoides Schmidt has recently been applied to Australian and North American taxa, based on generic concepts following separate designations of different type species. Drepanocanthoides, type species Aphodius walshii Horn, is a Nearctic genus that is not congeneric with the Australian members. The new name Ozodius, n. gen., is here proposed for the Australian taxa, with Aphodius neglectus Schmidt designated as the type species. All Australian members of Drepanocanthoides are transferred to Ozodius.

New South American Taxa Of Odontolochini Stebnicka And Howden (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae), Paul E. Skelley

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Recently discovered Neotropical taxa belonging in the tribe Odontolochini Stebnicka and Howden (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae) are described. New genera are: Amerilochus, type species Amerilochus cinereus, new species; and Stebnickiella, type species Stebnickiella zosterixys, new species. Three additional new species are: Saprolochus lobatus, Saprolochus tridentatus, and Saprositellus kenodontus. Updated keys are presented to the New World genera of Odontolochini as well as keys to species in the genera Saprolochus Stebnicka and Galante and Saprositellus Balthasar. New country records are presented for Saprositellus ariquemes Stebnicka.

Nomenclatural Changes In The Nearctic Ochodaeinae And Description Of Two New Genera (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea: Ochodaeidae), M J. Paulsen

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Generic placement of Nearctic species of Ochodaeinae has lagged behind changes in generic concepts in the group. In order to place Nearctic species into the appropriate genus-level taxa, several nomenclatural changes are made. The new generic name Xenochodaeus is proposed for species with an elongate, subparallel sulcus on the propygidium and a longitudinally impressed mentum. The genus contains 6 species. Xenochodaeus americanus (Westwood), new combination, is valid and is removed from synonymy with X. musculus (Say), new combination. A neotype is designated for Odontaeus musculus. Ochodaeus opacus LeConte is synonymized under X. americanus. Other new combinations include Xenochodaeus …

Book Review: Catalogue Of Palaearctic Coleoptera, Volume 3. Scarabaeoidea, Scirtoidea, Dascilloidea, Buprestoidea, Byrrhoidea (Lobl, I. And A Smetana [Eds.] 2006), Brett C. Ratcliffe

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

If done with care and thoroughness, catalogs, as opposed to checklists, can be valuable tools for summarizing taxonomic, nomenclatural, distributional, and literature information about a given group. This volume of the Catalogue of Palaearctic Coleoptera has been expertly brought to fruition and is a genuinely wonderful volume of what the editors call “structured knowledge.” Structure, hence enhanced information retrieval, is given to 250 years of discovery and documentation of Palaearctic beetles, thus providing us with a modern snapshot of biodiversity information for a broad geographic area.

This volume is the third in a massive undertaking, and the entire series, when …

Checklist Of The Aphodiini Of Mexico, Central And South America (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae), Paul E. Skelley, Marco Dellacasa, Giovanni Dellacasa, Robert D. Gordon

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

This preliminary checklist of Aphodiini south of the United States is prepared to provide published data for a future web-based checklist of all New World Aphodiinae. All species names are used in combination with their currently accepted generic name, creating many new combinations. A few genus-species combinations are discussed. New synonymies based on recent studies of type specimens are made: Aphodius azteca Harold = Aphodius multimaculosus Hinton; Aphodius ornatus Schmidt = Aphodius magnopunctatus Hinton; Aphodius caracaensis Petrovitz = Aphodius brasilicola Balthasar; Aphodius guatemalensis Bates = Aphodius striatipennis Petrovitz; Aphodius kuntzeni Schmidt = Aphodius amplinotum Gordon and Howden = Aphodius michiliensis …

Generic Limits Of The Rhyparini With Respect To The Genus Termitodius Wasmann, 1894 (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Aphodiinae), Paul E. Skelley

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Three distinct tibial types are recognized within the Rhyparini (Scarabaeidae, Aphodiinae). Based on this, generic limits for the species of Termitodius Wasmann are reevaluated, with the Old World members being transferred to Termitodiellus Nakane. The resulting new combinations are: Termitodiellus besucheti (Paulian), Termitodiellus hammondi (Krikken and Huijbregts), Termitodiellus interruptus (Krikken and Huijbregts), Termitodiellus luzonensis (Howden), Termitodiellus monticola (Krikken and Huijbregts). New World members of Termitodius are split into two genera: Termitodius Wasmann and Aschnarhyparus Makhan. Aschnarhyparus soesilae Makhan is here relegated to a junior synonym of Termitodius peregrinus Hinton, new synonymy, with the resulting new combination being Aschnarhyparus peregrinus (Hinton). …

Evolution And Phylogeny Of The Scarab Subtribe Anisopliina (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anomalini), Mary Liz Jameson, Estefania Mico, Eduardo Galante

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The subtribe Anisopliina (Scarabaeidae: Rutelinae: Anomalini) is associated with grasses, and its species are distributed in the Palaearctic, Oriental, Ethiopian, Nearctic and Neotropical biogeographical regions. Phylogenetic analysis of adult morphological characters was conducted to examine the monophyly and classification of the group, as well as to examine characters associated with grass pollinivory and graminivory. We review the biology, phylogeny and classification of the Anisopliina and provide an overview of each genus. The analysis of ninety-one morphological characters using parsimony does not support the monophyly of the subtribe Anisopliina. Instead, the results provide support for a group referred to here as …

Bothynus Hope, 1837 (Insecta, Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae): Proposed Conservation Of Usage By Designation Of Scarabaeus Ascanius Kirby, 1819 As The Type Species, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Andrew B. T. Smith

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

The purpose of this application, under Article 70.3.2 of the Code, is to conserve the current usage of the generic name Bothynus Hope, 1837 for well-known scarab beetles of the family SCARABAEIDAE (subfamily DYNASTINAE) by designation of Scarabaeus ascanius Kirby, 1819 as the type species. The type species of Bothynus is at present Geotrupes cuniculus Fabricius, 1801, based on a misidentification. It has long been recognized that the species involved in Hope's misidentification of G. cuniculus is indeterminable. It is proposed that Scarabaeus ascanius Kirby, 18 19 is designated as the type species.

A Remarkable New Species Of Megaceras From Peru (Scarabaeidae: Dynastinae: Oryctini). The ‘‘Dim Effect’’: Nature Mimicking Art, Brett C. Ratcliffe

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Megaceras briansaltini Ratcliffe, new species, is described from Peru. A description, diagnosis, and illustrations are provided, and the new species is compared with M. morpheus Burmeister, with which it shares similarities.

Disproportionate Relative Importance Of A Terrestrial Beetle Family (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) As A Prey Source For Central Appalachian Brook Trout, Ryan M. Utz, Brett C. Ratcliffe, Brett T. Moore, Kyle J. Hartman

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

Brook trout Salvelinus fontinalis and other salmonids in Appalachia typically inhabit headwater watersheds, where food resources may limit growth. We monitored the feeding trends of a brook trout population in central Appalachia over the course of 2 years to determine variation in feeding intensity and important prey items. One terrestrial beetle family, Scarabaeidae, provided a disproportionate amount of energy during the only time of year when brook trout were feeding substantially above maintenance ration. Scarab beetles contributed 39.6% of all energy consumed during May and June of both years, though the number of fish with one or more scarabaeids present …

An Overview Of The Classification And Evolution Of The Major Scarab Beetle Clades (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) Based On Preliminary Molecular Analyses, Andrew B. T. Smith, David C. Hawks, John M. Heraty

University of Nebraska State Museum: Entomology Papers

We present a preliminary overview of our molecular phylogenetics research on the superfamily Scarabaeoidea. The molecular data consists of 28S ribosomal DNA sequences (mainly D2 and D3 expansion regions) for over 600 taxa and 18S ribosomal DNA sequences (mainly E17 to E35 expansion regions) for over 150 representative taxa within the lineages sampled. Based on our preliminary molecular phylogenetic results, Scarabaeoidea includes three major groups: 1) Geotrupidae, Passalidae, and Pleocomidae; 2) Lucanidae, Diphyllostomatidae, Trogidae, and Glaresidae; and 3) Hybosoridae, Ochodaeidae, Glaphyridae, and Scarabaeidae. The broad evolutionary patterns within the Scarabaeoidea are discussed with respect to phylogeny and evolution.