male	female
Valgus californicus. Images by K. A. Swoboda
Map showing the distribution of Valgus californicus

Key to species of Valgini

Description: Pronotal disc not serrate along lateral edges, transverse medial ridges not well developed, basal margin rounded; female with short, scoop-like pygidial spine, moderately concave (in dorsal view); in both sexes, first segment of posterior tarsus as long as segments two and three combined; both sexes dark brown with dark setae; length 8.0-9.0mm.

Distribution: USA: California and Oregon. MEXICO: Sinaloa: Culiacan

Biological Data: Valgus californicus is rare and is an inquiline in the nest of the large termite Zootermopsis angusticollis Hagen. Adults have also been found in the nests of Z. nevadensis (Hagen). Colonies are located beneath the loose bark of trees and stumps, or in damp, rotting wood at the base of trees. Pupae and larvae are found in small hollows or cells made from termite castings. Adults have been collected in Sugar Pine (Pinus lambertiana Dougl.) and Ponderosa Pine (P. ponderosa Laws) trees, and at elevations of 4500 ft., 4800 ft., and 7000-9000 ft.

Temporal Distribution: May and June.

Larvae: Ritcher (1966) described the third-stage larvae.

References:
BANKS, N. and T.E. SNYDER. 1920. A revision of the nearctic termites. Bull. U.S. Nat. Mus. 108:1-211.

EVANS, A.V. 1986. Notes on Valgus californicus Horn (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae). Pan-Pac. Entomol. 62(1):83.

HINTON, H.E. 1930. Observations on two California beetles. Pan-Pac. Entomol. 7(2):94-95.

JAMESON, M.L. and K.A. SWOBODA. 2005. Synopsis of scarab beetle tribe Valgini (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae) in the New World. Ann. Entomol. Soc. Am. 98(5): 658-672.

LINSLEY, E.G. and C.D. MICHENER. 1943. Observations on some Coleoptera from the vicinity of Mt. Lassen, California. Pan-Pac. Entomol. 19(2):75-79.

LINSLEY, E.G. and E.S. ROSS. 1940. Records of some Coleoptera from the San Jacinto Mountains, California. Pan-Pac. Entomol. 16(2):75-76.

RITCHER, P.O. 1966. White Grubs and Their Allies. Oregon St. Univ. Press, Corvallis. 219 p.