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Beetles of Zihuatanejo

ORDER COLEOPTERA

Bothrotes Darkling Beetles
Bothrotes (Genus)

-Animals (Kingdom Animalia)

-Arthropods (Phylum Arthropoda)

-Hexapods (Subphylum Hexapoda)

-Insects (Class Insecta)

-Winged and Once-winged Insects (Subclass Pterygota)

-Beetles (Order Coleoptera​​)

-​Water, Rove, Scarab, Long-horned, Leaf, and Snout Beetles (Suborder Polyphaga)

-​Cucujiform Beetles (Infraorder Cucujiformia)

-Darkling Beetles and Allies (Superfamily Tenebrionoidea)

-Darkling Beetles (Family Tenebrionidae)

-Subfamily Pimeliinae

-Tribe Epitragini

-Genus Bothrotes


Bothrotes is a genus of darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae, a diverse group commonly associated with dry, warm environments but also found in forests and other habitats. Species of Bothrotes occur in parts of the Americas, including Mexico, where they are typically encountered on the ground, under debris, or around decaying organic material. Like other darkling beetles, Bothrotes species are primarily detritivores or scavengers, feeding on decaying plant matter, fungi, and organic debris. They are usually nocturnal, hiding during the day under rocks, bark, or leaf litter, and becoming active at night.

Diet

  • Larvae: Feed primarily on plant roots and organic matter in the soil. Depending on the species, larvae may also consume decaying vegetation.

  • Adults: Feed on foliage, flowers, pollen, nectar, or plant sap, depending on the species.

Range

  • The genus Bothrotes occurs in Mexico and Central America, with its greatest diversity in tropical and subtropical regions.

  • Several species occur in Mexico, including the Pacific coastal region and Guerrero.

  • Distribution varies considerably among species.

Habitat

  • Associated with tropical dry forests, tropical rainforests, woodland edges, secondary forests, grasslands, and agricultural areas.

  • Larvae develop in soil, often around plant roots.

  • Adults may be encountered on vegetation or attracted to lights at night.

Size

  • Adult length: approximately 8–15 mm (0.3–0.6 in), depending on species.

  • Body generally robust and oval, characteristic of scarab beetles.

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