Family Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)

The Scarab beetles are a highly variable family, comprised of seven Australian subfamilies. Many of them even display sexual dimorphism, such as horns and dents on males, within their species. They live in a broad range of habitats ranging from sea level to alpine. They also exploit many different food sources.   Scarab larvae feed on roots, decaying vegetation or dung.

         

References
Carne, P.B. 1958.  A review of the Australian Rutelinae (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) Australian Journal of Zoology 6(2) 162 – 240

CSIRO, 1990. Insects of Australia, Volume  2: A Textbook for Students and Research Workers. 2nd Edition. Melbourne University Publishing.

Lawrence, JF & Slipinski A, 2013.  Australian Beetles; Morphology, Classification and Keys, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Hangay, G & Zborowski, P 2010, A Guide to the Beetles of Australia, CSIRO Publishing, Collingwood.

Matthews, E. G. 1972. A revision of the scarabaeine dung beetles of Australia. I. Tribe Onthophagini. Australian Journal of Zoology Supplement Series No. 9: 1-330.

Matthews, E. G. 1984. A Guide to the Genera of Beetles of South Australia. Part 3 Polyphaga: Eucinetoidea, Dascilloidea and Scarabaeoidea. Special Educational Bulletin Series No. 6, South Australian Museum, Adelaide.

Semmens, T. D., McQuillan, P. B., & Hayhurst G. 1992. Catalogue of the Insects of Tasmania. Department of Primary Industry Tasmania.