Scarabaeidae - Genuchinus ineptus
Family Scarabaeidae
Genuchinus ineptus Size (Disarticulated specimen; approximately 16 mm) Group Guild Status Incidental N/A Rare This scarab beetle has only been found in Kartchner Caverns once, sampled in the Throne Room by Park staff on July 12, 2006. Most species in this scarab subfamily (Cetoniinae) are pollen feeding species as adults. However, G. ineptus is known to be predatory on a variety of adult and larval insects (Alpert 1994). An association of this species with a buprestid beetle (Thrincopyge ambiens) on species of sotol (Dasylirion spp.) plants in Arizona and Texas was recently discussed by Howden (2008). Howden simply stated that G. ineptus followed the presence of T. ambiens at sotols, and the relationship between the two beetle species is not currently known. The sotol Dasylirion wheeleri is common in the Park, and G. ineptus may be associated with T. ambiens on these plants. The presence of G. ineptus in the cave is an incidental occurrence. |
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