Beetles are one of the most diverse groups of insects, with over 400,000 described species worldwide. In Texas alone, there are hundreds of species of beetles, each with unique characteristics and behaviors.
In this article, we will explore 15 types of beetles found in Texas, including the stag beetle, dung beetle, leaf beetles, and many more. We will also provide additional resources for identifying and learning about the many other types of beetles found in Texas.
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15 Types Of Beetles In Texas
Stag Beetle
Stag beetles are a type of beetle found in Texas. These large and robust beetles are typically dark brown in color and have elongated mandibles that are used by males to joust with rival males.
Females have more normal jaws. The giant stag beetle, Lucanus elaphus Fabricius, is one of the few species of stag beetles found in Texas. Males of this species have more elaborately branched and extended mandibles.
Larvae of stag beetles are similar in shape to white grubs of Scarabeidae but larger and take a year or multiple years to develop. Adult emergence peaks in late May and June (spring and summer) . Stag beetles are not considered pests and are not managed.
Dung Beetle
Dung beetles are a type of beetle found in Texas that play an important role in the ecosystem by recycling animal feces. There are many species of dung beetles found in Texas, including rollers, tunnellers, and dwellers.
Some of the most common species found in Texas include the Onthophagus gazella and the Canthum imitator. Dung beetles are rarely encountered unless an effort is made to examine fresh potential larval habitats.
These beetles are highly beneficial insects that bring ecological balance and economic advantage to the environment. In addition to their ecological importance, dung beetles are also strikingly beautiful, with the rainbow scarab being one of the most charismatic species found in Texas.
Leaf Beetles
Leaf beetles are a diverse group of beetles found in Texas, with many different species and subfamilies. Here are some examples of leaf beetles found in Texas:
– Family Chrysomelidae: This family includes many different subfamilies of leaf beetles found in Texas, including the bean or seed weevils in the subfamily Bruchinae and the aquatic or semi-aquatic leaf beetles in the subfamily Donaciinae.
– Yellowmargined Leaf Beetle: This species of leaf beetle is about 3/8 inch long and dark brown to black in color, with textured wing covers and light cream-colored margins.
– Coreopsis Leaf Beetle: This invasive species of leaf beetle looks similar to native Texas Phaedon species, but was rarely collected in Texas until 2012.
– Elm Leaf Beetle: This introduced species of leaf beetle is a pest of elm trees, with adult beetles about 1/4 inch long and yellow to olive green in color.
Leaf beetles are typically small to medium-sized beetles with a flattened body shape and chewing mouthparts. They are often brightly colored and may have distinctive patterns or markings on their bodies.
Many species of leaf beetles feed on the leaves of plants, while others feed on flowers, stems, or roots. Some leaf beetles are considered pests, while others are beneficial as natural predators of other insects or as pollinators of plants.
June Beetle
June beetles are a group of scarab beetles that appear around June in temperate parts of North America, including Texas. There are several species of June beetles found in Texas, including the giant June beetle (genus Phyllophaga), which is a type of white grub that can destroy crops and lawns by severing grasses from their roots.
The heavy-bodied June beetles vary in size from 12 to 25 mm (0.5 to 1 inch) and have shiny wing covers (elytra). They feed on foliage and flowers at night, sometimes causing considerable damage.
The green June beetle (Cotinis nitida) is another species of June beetle found in Texas, which is active during daylight hours and feeds on a variety of fruits including berries, grapes, peaches, nectarines, apples, pears, and figs.
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June beetles are not considered pests in Texas, but control measures are often taken to prevent damage to crops. Some natural enemies of June beetles include the waved light fly (Pyrgota undata) and the digger wasp (Scolia dubia).
Ox Beetle
The ox beetle, also known as Strategus aloeus, is a species of rhinoceros beetle native to the Americas. Here are some key characteristics and facts about the ox beetle:
Description:
– The “major” males of this species have three large horns on their thoraces, resembling Triceratops.
– The “minor” males have horns as well, but the two back ones are small and the frontal horn is much shorter than the horn in major males.
– The female ox beetle has a very short horn which has little use in fighting, but is used for digging in the ground.
– These beetles grow to about 1.0 to 1.5 in (2.5 to 3.8 cm) long as adults when the horns are excluded in the males.
Distribution:
– Ox beetles range across the US southernmost states from Florida to Arizona.
– These beetles are very common near lights in the summer and can be collected in large numbers in some areas.
Life cycle:
– The larvae of this species feed on roots in the ground, while the adults feed on flowers and all sorts of fruit.
– The larvae take around four to six months to reach the pupal stage.
– The pupal stage can be shortened in captivity by placing the pupae in a warm area.
– The adults are active from March to August in Texas, and during this time both males and females try to mate.
Ecological importance:
– Ox beetles are not considered pests, but their larvae are sometimes considered a pest because they can damage lawns and gardens by feeding on the roots.
– These beetles play an important role in the ecosystem as decomposers, breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.
Overall, the ox beetle is a fascinating and important species of beetle found in Texas and other parts of the Americas.
Oil Beetle
Oil beetles are a type of blister beetle found in Texas. Here are some key facts about oil beetles based on the search results:
Description:
– Oil beetles belong to the genus Meloe and are known for their defensive strategy of releasing oily droplets of hemolymph from their joints when threatened by predators or collectors.
– This fluid is bright orange and contains cantharidin, a poisonous chemical compound that can cause blistering and painful swelling of the skin if it comes into contact with human skin.
– There are many species of oil beetles, including the American oil beetle (Meloe americanus), which is found in Texas.
Ecological importance:
– Oil beetles are not considered pests, but they can be harmful to livestock if ingested.
– Oil beetles are also important pollinators and are known to be nest parasites of solitary mining bees.
Overall, oil beetles are fascinating and important insects found in Texas and other parts of the world. While they are not considered pests, it is important to be aware of their defensive strategy and the potential harm that cantharidin can cause to humans and animals.
Ground Beetle
Ground beetles are a large and diverse family of beetles found in Texas and around the world. Here are some key facts about ground beetles based on the search results:
Description:
– Ground beetles belong to the family Carabidae and are known for their long legs and powerful mandibles, which enable them to be voracious predators.
– There are more than 40,000 species of ground beetles worldwide, with around 2,000 species found in North America and 2,700 in Europe.
– Most ground beetles are small to moderate-sized insects, ranging from about 1/8 to 1/2 inches long.
– Ground beetles are generally flattened insects with obvious mandibles (jaws) and are often black or brown and iridescent.
Ecological importance:
– Ground beetles are important predators and are known to be voracious feeders on insect pests in agricultural and garden settings.
– Many species of ground beetles are active at night and can be difficult to observe, but they can occasionally be found by sifting through debris or looking under ground cover such as wood or rocks.
– Ground beetles are considered beneficial insects and are not considered pests in Texas.
Control measures:
– Ground beetles are not typically a problem in homes or buildings, but they can occasionally become occasional invaders.
– The best techniques to help prevent problems with ground beetles include habitat reduction and sealing entryways to help keep ground beetles from gaining access to the interior of homes or buildings.
Overall, ground beetles are important and beneficial insects found in Texas and other parts of the world. They play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of insect pests and are not considered pests themselves.
Bess Beetle
Bess beetles are a type of beetle found in Texas and other parts of the world. Here are some interesting facts about bess beetles based on the search results:
– Bess beetles are important decomposers, living in hardwood logs and turning tough tree fibers into new soil.
– Bess beetles have characteristic “lamelliforme” antennae, which are medium-length antennae with comb or finger-like projections at the ends.
– Bess beetles are large beetles, ranging between 30 and 40 mm (1.2 and 1.6 inches) in length, with shiny black wing covers (elytra).
– Bess beetles are sometimes called patent-leather beetles because of their shiny appearance.
– Bess beetles live together under the bark of decaying logs in a primitive social organization, with both males and females processing decaying wood as food and feeding it to the larvae.
– Bess beetle adults and larvae communicate by sounds that are audible to humans.
– There are around 30 different species of bess beetles in Australia, and about five occur in the Sydney area.
– Bess beetles have wings but cannot fly.
– The larvae of bess beetles look more like worms than beetles.
– Bess beetles are mildly social insects and need to build undisturbed burrows or “galleries” among a small colony where larvae and pupae are maintained by the adults.
Overall, bess beetles are fascinating insects with unique characteristics and behaviors. They play an important role in the ecosystem as decomposers and are not considered pests in Texas.
Tiger Beetle
Tiger beetles are a family of beetles known for their aggressive predatory habits and running speed. They are the hot rods of the insect world, with bright metallic colors and distinctive body shapes.
There are over 2,600 species and subspecies of tiger beetles known worldwide, with the richest diversity in the Oriental (Indo-Malayan) region, followed by the Neotropics.
In Texas, there are several species of tiger beetles, including the six-spotted tiger beetle (Cicindela sexguttata), which is a striking metallic green or blue beetle with long legs, large sickle-shaped mandibles, and large bulging eyes.
Tiger beetles are generalist predators, meaning they prey on a wide variety of pests, and are important bioindicators, as they are very sensitive to environmental changes. They are commonly found in open, sandy landscapes and are known for their incredible ground speed and maneuverability while in flight.
Tiger beetles are not considered pests and are beneficial insects that contribute to natural control of insects and other arthropods.
Ladybug Beetle
Ladybug beetles, also known as ladybirds or lady beetles, are a family of small beetles found in Texas and around the world. Here are some interesting facts about ladybug beetles based on the search results:
Description:
– Ladybug beetles belong to the family Coccinellidae and are known for their distinctive round or oval shape, bright colors, and spotted patterns.
– There are over 6,000 described species of ladybug beetles worldwide, with a global distribution and a variety of habitats.
– Ladybug beetles are sexually dimorphic, with males and females often differing in size, color, or pattern.
– Ladybug beetles are beneficial insects that feed on a variety of pests, including aphids, spider mites, scale insects, and whiteflies.
Ecological importance:
– Ladybug beetles are important bioindicators, as they are very sensitive to environmental changes.
– Ladybug beetles are considered beneficial insects and are not considered pests in Texas.
– Ladybug beetles are popular with gardeners and farmers because they help control pest populations and can be used as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
Ladybug beetles are beloved insects that are both beautiful and beneficial. They play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of insect pests and are not considered pests themselves.
Click Beetle
Click beetles are a family of beetles known for their unusual click mechanism, which they use to escape predators and right themselves when they are on their backs. Here are some key facts about click beetles based on the search results:
Description:
– Click beetles belong to the family Elateridae and are also known as elaters, snapping beetles, spring beetles, or skipjacks.
– Click beetles are elongated, parallel-sided beetles that are usually brown, black, or gray in color, with some species having interesting patterns or colors.
– Click beetles have a spine on the prosternum that can be snapped into a corresponding notch on the mesosternum, producing a violent “click” that can bounce the beetle into the air.
– Click beetles are nocturnal and feed on plants, although some species are serious agricultural pests.
Ecological importance:
– Click beetles are not considered pests in Texas, but some species of click beetle larvae, called wireworms, are serious agricultural pests that attack many vegetables including potatoes, onions, corn, carrots, peas, beans, and melons.
– Click beetles are important bioindicators, as they are very sensitive to environmental changes.
– Click beetles are generally considered beneficial insects, as they help control pest populations and are not considered pests themselves.
Overall, click beetles are fascinating insects with unique characteristics and behaviors. They play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of insect pests and are not considered pests themselves, although some species of wireworms can be serious agricultural pests.
Longhorn Beetle
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Longhorn beetles are a large family of beetles with over 35,000 species described worldwide. They are characterized by their extremely long antennae, which are often as long as or longer than the beetle’s body.
In Texas, there are several species of longhorn beetles, including the valley elderberry longhorn beetle (Desmocerus californicus dimorphus), which is a threatened subspecies from California.
Longhorn beetles are generally considered beneficial insects, as they help control pest populations and are not considered pests themselves. However, some species of longhorn beetles, such as the Asian longhorned beetle (Anoplophora glabripennis), are serious pests that can cause significant damage to hardwood trees.
Longhorn beetles are often found near their host trees or plants, and the larvae are usually found in dead, sick, or living trees. The larvae hatch and burrow into the tree, eating it and making tunnels in the process.
Overall, longhorn beetles are fascinating insects with unique characteristics and behaviors, and they play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of insect pests and decomposers of dead wood.
Firefly Beetle
Firefly beetles, also known as lightning bugs or glowworms, are a family of elateroid beetles with more than 2,000 described species worldwide. Here are some interesting facts about firefly beetles based on the search results:
Description:
– Firefly beetles are soft-bodied beetles that are commonly called fireflies, lightning bugs, or glowworms for their conspicuous production of light, mainly during twilight, to attract mates.
– Firefly beetles are nocturnal and undergo complete metamorphosis, with a few days after mating, a female laying her fertilized eggs on or just below the surface of the ground.
– Firefly beetles are found in humid regions of Asia and the Americas, where they mostly feast on plant pollen and nectar.
– Firefly larvae, recently hatched worm-like fireflies that haven’t fully developed yet (including their wings), feed on worms, snails, and insects.
Ecological importance:
– Firefly beetles are important bioindicators, as they are very sensitive to environmental changes.
– Firefly beetles are considered beneficial insects and are not considered pests in Texas.
– Firefly beetles are popular with gardeners and farmers because they help control pest populations and can be used as a natural alternative to chemical pesticides.
Overall, firefly beetles are fascinating insects with unique characteristics and behaviors. They play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of insect pests and are not considered pests themselves.
Darkling Beetle
Darkling beetles are a large family of beetles found in Texas and around the world. Here are some key facts about darkling beetles based on the search results:
Description:
– Darkling beetles belong to the family Tenebrionidae and are known for their typically black or brown coloration, often dull, sometimes shiny, and their slow-moving behavior.
– There are over 20,000 species of darkling beetles worldwide, with about 1,200 species in North America north of Mexico.
– Darkling beetles are substrate dwellers and are primarily nocturnally active.
– Darkling beetles are small to medium-sized beetles, ranging from about 2 to 35 mm (1/12 to about 1 1/2 inches) in length.
Ecological importance:
– Darkling beetles are not considered pests in Texas, but some species of darkling beetle larvae, such as the mealworm (Tenebrio), are used as food for pets such as birds and fish.
– Darkling beetles are important decomposers, breaking down organic matter and returning nutrients to the soil.
– Some species of darkling beetles, such as the forked fungus beetle (Bolitotherus cornutus), are important predators of hard bracket fungi, especially Ganoderma species such as the artist conk and ling chih, which grow on living and dead hardwood trees.
Overall, darkling beetles are important and fascinating insects found in Texas and other parts of the world. They play an important role in the ecosystem as decomposers and predators, and are not considered pests themselves.
Blister Beetle
Blister beetles are a family of beetles known for their defensive secretion of a blistering agent called cantharidin. There are about 7,500 species of blister beetles known worldwide, many of which are conspicuous and some are aposematically colored, announcing their toxicity to would-be predators.
Here are some key facts about blister beetles based on the search results:
Description:
– Blister beetles belong to the family Meloidae and are known for their elongated, soft bodies and often striking coloration.
– Blister beetles are hypermetamorphic, going through several larval stages, the first of which is typically a mobile triungulin.
– The larvae of blister beetles are insectivorous, mainly attacking bees, though a few feed on grasshopper eggs.
– Blister beetles are attracted to alfalfa and weeds during bloom.
Ecological importance:
– Blister beetles are not considered pests in Texas, but some species of blister beetle larvae, such as the mealworm (Tenebrio), are used as food for pets such as birds and fish.
– Blister beetles are important bioindicators, as they are very sensitive to environmental changes.
– Some species of blister beetles, such as the striped blister beetle (Epicauta vittata), are important pests of alfalfa and can cause significant damage to crops.
Control measures:
– Blister beetles are not typically a problem in homes or buildings, but they can occasionally become occasional invaders.
– The best techniques to help prevent problems with blister beetles include habitat reduction and sealing entryways to help keep blister beetles from gaining access to the interior of homes or buildings.
Overall, blister beetles are fascinating insects with unique characteristics and behaviors. They play an important role in the ecosystem as predators of other insects and are not considered pests themselves, although some species of blister beetles can be serious agricultural pests.
FAQS
1. What are some common types of beetles found in Texas?
Some common types of beetles found in Texas include stag beetles, dung beetles, leaf beetles, June beetles, ox beetles, oil beetles, ground beetles, and more.
2. Are beetles harmful to humans?
Most species of beetles are not harmful to humans, although some species of blister beetles can produce a toxic chemical that can cause skin irritation.
3. Are beetles beneficial to the environment?
Yes, many species of beetles are beneficial to the environment. For example, ladybug beetles and ground beetles are important predators of insect pests, while bess beetles and darkling beetles are important decomposers.
4. How can I identify different types of beetles?
There are many resources available for identifying different types of beetles, including field guides, online resources, and insect identification apps.
5. Are there any pests among the types of beetles found in Texas?
Some species of beetles, such as the Asian longhorned beetle and the striped blister beetle, can be serious agricultural pests. However, most species of beetles found in Texas are not considered pests.
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