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Family Geotrupidae
updated 7/6/98
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The family Geotrupidae is distinguished from the other families by its 11-
segmented antennae. Geotrupids also possess exposed mandibles and a highly rounded,
hemispherically-shaped body. Four subfamilies occur in the world, two of which occur in
North America and contain about 72 species. Many species are secretive and difficult to
find. Geotrupids dig burrows in the soil, and some species provision these burrows with
food for their young. Adults and larvae feed primarily on decaying plant matter and fungi,
and to a lesser extent on dung. Most species are attracted to light, and a few are strictly
nocturnal. Many species of the subfamily Geotrupinae are attracted to baits like fermenting
malt or molasses. Ten species from both subfamilies in North America occur in
Wisconsin.
Subfamily Bolboceratinae
Genus Bolboceras
falli (Wallis) 
filicornis (Say)
liebecki (Wallis)
Genus Bolbocerosoma
biplagiatum Dawson & McColloch
bruneri Dawson & McColloch
Genus Bradycinetulus
fossatus (Haldeman)
Genus Eucanthus
lazarus lazarus (Fabricius)
Subfamily Geotrupinae
Genus Geotrupes
balyi Jekel
blackburnii (Fabricius)
hornii Blanchard
opacus Halderman
semiopacus Jekel
splendidus miarophagus Say
For more information or comments, please send email to:
young@entomology.wisc.edu or nlkriska@entomology.wisc.edu
This webpage was created by Michael Young.
