The Scarabaeoid Beetles of San Diego County, California PROCEEDINGS of the San Diego Society of Natural History Founded 874 Number 40 February 2008 The Scarabaeoid Beetles of San Diego County, California Part I. Introduction and Diagnosis of Families Glaresidae, Trogidae, Pleocomidae, Geotrupidae, Ochodaeidae, Hybosoridae, and Glaphyridae Ron H. McPeak P.O. Box 2136, Battle Ground, WA 98604, U.S.A.;
[email protected] Thomas A. Oberbauer County of San Diego Department of Planning and Land Use, 5201 Ruffin Road, Suite B, San Diego, CA 92123, U.S.A.;
[email protected] ABSTRACT.—Scarabaeoid beetles are diverse in San Diego County, California, with 8 families, 53 genera, and approximately 50 species repre- sented. Vegetation communities in the county are likewise diverse and directly responsible for supporting the diversity of scarab beetles. Part I of the Scarabaeoid Beetles of San Diego County, California presents data on 8 species in the following 7 families: Glaresidae (), Trogidae (4), Pleocomidae (2), Geotrupidae (5), Ochodaeidae (3), Hybosoridae (), and Glaphyridae (2). This group of diverse beetles is adapted to a wide variety of terrestrial habitats where they feed upon hair, feathers, carrion, other decomposing organic matter, and plants. INTRODUCTION COLLECTING IN SAN DIEGO COUNTY The superfamily Scarabaeoidea is one of the largest groups of Several preeminent beetle taxonomists spent time collecting beetles, containing approximately 2200 genera and 3,000 species in San Diego County during the 9th century (Essig 93). John worldwide (Jameson and Ratcliffe 2002). According to Smith (2003) L. LeConte was in California during 850 while employed as a there are 2 families, approximately 70 genera, and 2000 species in surgeon in the U.