On this high quality closeup, head anatomic details are well visible.
The familyScarabaeidae, as currently defined, consists of over 35,000 species ofbeetles worldwide; they are often calledscarabs orscarab beetles. The classification of this family has undergone significant change. Several groups formerly treated as subfamilies have been elevated to family rank (e.g.,Bolboceratidae,Geotrupidae,Glaresidae,Glaphyridae,Hybosoridae,Ochodaeidae, andPleocomidae), and some reduced to lower ranks. The subfamilies listed in this article are in accordance with those inCatalog of Life (2023).[3]
Sacred scarab in a cartouche ofThutmosis III fromKarnak temple of Amun-Ra, Egypt
Scarabs are stout-bodied beetles; most are brown or black in colour, but many, generally species that are diurnally active, have bright metallic colours, measuring between 1.5 and 160 mm (0.059 and 6.3 in). Theantennae of most species superficially seem to be knobbed (capitated), but the several segments comprising the head of the antenna are, as a rule, lamellate; they extend laterally into plates calledlamellae that they usually keep compressed into a ball. Then, when following a scent, such a beetle fans the lamellae out like leaves to sense odours.
Many species arefossorial, with legs adapted for digging. In some groups, males (and sometimes females) have prominent horns on the head and/orpronotum to fight over mates or resources.[4] The largest fossil scarabaeid wasOryctoantiquus borealis with a length of 50 mm (2.0 in).[5]
A scarab beetle grub from Australia.
The C-shapedlarvae, called grubs, are pale yellow or white. Most adult beetles are nocturnal, although the flower chafers (Cetoniinae) and many leaf chafers (Rutelinae) are active during the day. The grubs mostly live underground or under debris, so are not exposed to sunlight. Many scarabs are scavengers that recycle dung,carrion, or decaying plant material.[6] Others, such as theJapanese beetle, areplant-eaters, wreaking havoc on various crops and vegetation.
InAncient Egypt, the dung beetle now known asScarabaeus sacer (formerlyAteuchus sacer) was revered as sacred.[8] Egyptianamulets representing the sacred scarab beetles were traded throughout the Mediterranean world.[4]
^Netzley, Patricia D. (2009-06-25).Ancient Egypt. Greenhaven Publishing LLC. p. 260.ISBN978-0-7377-4634-1.The scarab (Scarabaeus sacer) is a species of dung beetle that was considered sacred by the ancient Egyptians. In particular, the insect symbolized rebirth and was commonly associated with solar gods of creation, such as Khepri and Re.
RU Ehlers. Current and Future Use of Nematodes in Biocontrol: Practice and Commercial Aspects with Regard to Regulatory Policy Issues. Biocontrol Science and Technology Volume 6, Issue 3, 1996.
