Sulcophanaeus imperator (Chevrolat 1844)

Sulcophanaeus imperator is a species of beetles belonging to the family Scarabaeidae.^[1]

Subspecies

• Sulcophanaeus imperator imperator (Chevrolat, 1844)
• Sulcophanaeus imperator alticollis Arnaud, 2002
• Sulcophanaeus imperator obscurus Arnaud, 2002

^[2]

Description

Sulcophanaeus imperator can reach a length of 13–25 millimetres (0.51–0.98 in). Pronotum is black with a large shining coppery red band, while elytra are blueish-black. On the sides of the head there are two large iridescent orange-red spots similar to eyes.^[3] Males have a long, curved horn on the forehead. It is a diurnal, coprophagous species.^[1][4]

Distribution and habitat

This species can be found in Neotropical region (Argentina, Bolivia, Paraguay) in dry and thorny forests, pastures and scrublands at an elevation of 500–3,000 metres (1,600–9,800 ft) above sea level.^[5][1][6][7]

Gallery

• 

  Female of Sulcophanaeus imperator alticollis

• 

  Male of Sulcophanaeus imperator imperator

• 

  Female of Sulcophanaeus imperator imperator

References

• Solier A.J.J. (1851) Zoologia: Coleopteros. In Gay C.: Historia fisica y politica de Chile segun documentos adquiridos en esta republica durante doce anos de residencia en ella, Paris 5:1-285 (38-124)
• Scarabs: World Scarabaeidae Database. Schoolmeesters P.
• Guérin-Méneville F.E.. Iconographie du Règne Animal de G.Cuvier. Part 7. Insectes. Paris:Ballière (1829-1844) 7:1-576, 1844.