Family Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)

The family consists of over 30,000 species with worldwide distribution. They are often called scarabs or scarab beetles. The classification within the family has undergone significant change in recent years, with several subfamilies elevated to family status, while other have been reduced to lower ranks.

In general, scarabs are stout-bodied beetles, many with bright metallic colours, measuring between 1.5–160mm. They have distinctive, clubbed antennae composed of plates that can be compressed into a ball or fanned out like leaves to sense odours. Many species are fossorial, with legs adapted for digging. In some groups, males (but sometimes females) have prominent horns on the head and/or pronotum to fight over mates or resources.

The C-shaped larvae, are pale yellow or white. Most adult beetles are nocturnal, although the flower chafers (Cetoniinae) and many leaf chafers (Rutelinae) are active during the day. Their larvae live underground or under debris, so are not exposed to sunlight. Many scarabs are scavengers that recycle dung, carrion, or decaying plant material.