Texas is home to a rich diversity of beetles, with hundreds of species adapted to its varied ecosystems. Here are 15 notable types of beetles commonly found in Texas, highlighting their key characteristics and ecological roles
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15 Types of Beetles in Texas
Stag Beetle
Large beetles with males having impressive branched mandibles.
Colors range from black and brown to metallic green and iridescent red.
Found in loose soil and forested areas.
Dung Beetle
Metallic blue-green or copper-colored beetles.
Consume and bury cattle dung, aiding soil enrichment and fly control.
Leaf Beetles
Feed on elm trees and other plants, often causing leaf damage.
June Beetle
Medium to large beetles that feed on flowers, shrubs, and crops.
Ox Beetle
Notable for their hairy bellies.
Oil Beetle
Can exude oily drops containing cantharidin, causing painful blisters on contact.
Ground Beetle
Nocturnal beetles living under rocks; their bites can cause irritation.
Boll Weevil
Famous for damaging cotton crops extensively.
Carpet Beetle
Named for their appearance resembling carpet fibers; common household pests.
Sap Beetle
Attracted to tree sap, fermenting fruit, and decaying plant material.
Ironclad Beetle
Known for their extremely tough exoskeleton and ability to play dead.
Flour Beetle
Scavengers that infest grain products.
Emerald Ash Borer
An invasive species harmful to ash trees.
Blister Beetle
Larvae consume grasshopper eggs or act as parasitoids; adults feed on various plants and can cause skin blisters.
Longhorn Beetle
Characterized by long antennae; their bites can be very painful.
Additional Noteworthy Beetles in Texas
Ladybugs (Lady Beetles): Beneficial insects that control aphids and other pests.
Western Green June Beetle (Cotinis mutabilis): Metallic green beetle commonly seen in Texas.
Texas Flower Scarab: A colorful beetle often found on flowers.