A few Scarab beetles to share...

[trehopr1]

I finally got around to getting some pictures
of some of my assorted Scarabaeidae. I have
culled these specimens from 3 different beetle
collections which I heard about over these last
22 years.

I purchased one small collection of 7 drawers
in its entirety but, only managed to "cherry-pick"
from the other two.

Through it all I'd see some scarab beetle (here or
there) that was colorful or otherwise interesting
looking and it would come to be mine.

I really don't know an awful lot about scarab genera,
rarities, or truly unique species but, here is a
portion of what I've mustered.

So, hope something here sparks some interest with
Alandmor, Panacanthus, or Bandrow who are all knowing
when it comes to Scarabaeidae !

Also, all have data but, not species determinations.











I do know that last picture is of Theodosia. That's a pretty good one I believe...

Also, because everything came from collectors who
were more "scientifically" minded they are prepared
with legs tight at the sides. All parts are there as I
personally INSPECTED every one of them; along with
data.

My moto:  If I'm gonna' pay the price -- they better be NICE !

[bandrow]

Greetings,

Nice assortment - the diversity in the Cetoniinae (yes - I follow the subfamily taxonomy - I know some European workers break these out as families) is remarkable, and just the tip of the iceberg of diversity when you consider scarabs broadly.

One of your series is a species that I have always considered one of the most beautiful - Ischiopsopha jamesi coerulea. These are in the top box, column 5, the bottom 3 specimens. Just gorgeous!! The 3 specimens to their right are also the same species, but the nominate subspecies. I'm not 100% sure about the third specimen down - it might be yet a third subspecies, or maybe just a color variant of jamesi jamesi.

If you need names on any particular specimens, let me know which ones, and I can try to help. I'm no expert in these, but most seem to be familiar enough to get pretty close...

Cheers!
Bandrow

[trehopr1]

Thank you very much Bandrow for your reply and the species determinations which you gave me.

I do have some (other) requests in that first box so hopefully you might know some of them.

Specifically,

A. That still "papered" specimen.

B. The (pair) underneath it with the outstretched forelegs.

C. Column 4, bottom 2 olive green specimens (pair)?

D. The 4 items underneath the dung beetle. I call them my Christmas beetles as they are green and red with white spots (although one is an aberration).

E. Far right, bottom corner, bright green (male) with sharply recurved short horns.

Thank you for any of these that you might be able to determine.

[trehopr1]

In my second picture specifically:

A. First row, first four.

B. Third row, the three deep purple ones.

C. Third row, the two gold beetles (non-Chrysina).

Also, if possible the species in the third photograph which is highly variable in its color variation.

Thanks very much to anyone who can help with these...

[panacanthus]

Oct 3, 2021 8:33:18 GMT -8 trehopr1 said:

Thank you very much Bandrow for your reply and the species determinations which you gave me.

I do have some (other) requests in that first box so hopefully you might know some of them.

Specifically,

A. That still "papered" specimen. Narycius opalus - one of my favorites and not very common!

B. The (pair) underneath it with the outstretched forelegs. Cheirolasia burkei - both males

C. Column 4, bottom 2 olive green specimens (pair)?Neptunides stanleyi - both males

D. The 4 items underneath the dung beetle. I call them my Christmas beetles as they are green and red with white spots (although one is an aberration). Stephanorrhina gutatta

E. Far right, bottom corner, bright green (male) with sharply recurved short horns. Cyphonocephalus olivaceus - wonderful and uncommon species - these come in various color forms

Thank you for any of these that you might be able to determine.

[panacanthus]

Oct 3, 2021 8:44:58 GMT -8 trehopr1 said:

In my second picture specifically:

A. First row, first four. Ranzania bertolonii - same as Rhamphorrhina bertolonii

B. Third row, the three deep purple ones.pretty sure they are Chlorocara africana oertzeni

C. Third row, the two gold beetles (non-Chrysina). they appear to be Anoplognathus aureus from Australia (Rutelinae)

Also, if possible the species in the third photograph which is highly variable in its color variation. pretty sure they are Neptunides polychrous

Thanks very much to anyone who can help with these...

[trehopr1]

Very impressive indeed.

Thank you Panacanthus from the bottom of my heart for all those determinations and your thoughts about some of them.

Heck, I'm going to have the wife spank out some labels for me with those names on them tomorrow !

I plan on separating the different species using smaller unit trays. That way I can start integrating them into my unit tray drawers of insect diversity.

Again, many many thanks !!

[58chevy]

Nice beetles. In my opinion coleoptera are every bit as colorful and diverse as lepidoptera. I collect both.

[panacanthus]

I was just looking at the photos on my computer rather than the small screen of the cell phone. That third purple one on the right is not the same as the other two (Chlorocara africana oertzeni), but I'm not sure what it is offhand.

[bandrow]

Hi Panacanthus,

Thanks for all of the names - I have most of these in my collection, but it would have taken some digging to find everything and post names. My exotic scarab collection isn't well-curated at the moment, and you saved me some time. I'll try to help somehow in the future, if I can beat you to it!

Cheers!
Bandrow