Overview
Scarabaeidae always live in concealed habitats, feeding on roots, dung, or decaying vegetable matter. [McQuillan 1985.]
Description
Usually stout-bodied beetles of moderate to large size; occasionally brightly coloured (few Melolonthinae, some Rutelinae, many Cetoniinae) or rarely small and clothed with scales (
Microvalgus
). With the exception of
Phaenognatha
,
Saprus
, and certain Rutelinae, either the labrum or the mandibles are concealed from above by the clypeus, and in most cases both are concealed. Except in
Saprus
, exposed mandibles have non-opposable apices. The antennal club is variable but not cupuliform. Scarab larvae always have 4 or apparently 5 antennal segments, and the legs are never modified as stridulatory organs.