Characteristics
Mandibles weakly developed, hidden by clypeus. Labrum membranous in most, hidden.
Antenna 10-segmented, club with 3 segments (these sometimes elongated); antennal
insertion visible from above on side of clypeus. Eye canthus long, narrow. Elytron
with distinct post-humeral emargination (Gymnetini, Cetoniini, Cremastocheilini)
that reveals the mesepimeron at the base of elytron or lacking post-humeral
emargination (Trichiini and Valgini). Pygidium exposed. Propygidium rigidly
connected to fifth visible sternite. Procoxae protruding conically downward.
Posterior coxae contiguous or nearly so in Trichiini. Tarsal claws simple and
subequal in size.
Classification Status
The subfamily Cetoniinae was redefined by Krikken (1984) to include twelve tribes
(citing Trichiini and Valgini as tribes). Previously, Schenkling (1921) had
recognized seven tribes in the Coleopterorum Catalogus (not including the Trichiini
and Valgini). Of the twelve tribes recognized by Krikken, five occur in North
America. The tribes not occurring in North America are: Xiphoscelidini (Africa
and Madagascar), Stenotarsiini (Madagascar), Schizorhinini (Australia, Oriental),
Goliathini (Africa, Oriental, Madagascar, two genera and three species in southern
Mexico), Diplognathini (Africa, Oriental), Phaedimini (Oriental), and Taenioderini
(Oriental, Australia, Palearctic).
Distribution
In the United States, Canada, and northern Mexico, there are 18 genera and about
105 species. Keys to adults: Casey 1915; Goodrich 1966; Howden 1968b, 1971;
Krikken 1976, 1984 (to subtribes); Hardy 1988; Harpootlian 2001. North American
catalog: Smith 2001. Regional works: Blatchley 1910; Lago et al. 1979; Ratcliffe
1991; Mor—n et al. 1997; Harpootlian 2001. World Catalog: Schenkling 1921;
Krikken 1984 (genera); Krajc’k 1998, 1999. Larvae: Ritcher 1966.
New World Tribes
Goliathini
Gymnetini
Cetoniini
Cremastocheilini
Trichiini
Valgini
TRIBE GOLIATHINI
Characteristics. Pronotum lacking basomedian lobe, scutellum
visible. Mesepimeron distinct. Posthumeral emargination slight. Elytra glabrous
or velutinous. Middle coxae usually widely separated by mesometasternal process.
Head of males with strong clypeal projections.
The Goliathini is a large tribe with about 80 genera (Krikken 1984) that are
found mostly in the African and Oriental regions. Two genera (Ischnoscelis Burmeister
and Neoscelis Schoch) occur in the New World (Mexico). Keys: Morón and
Ratcliffe 1989.
TRIBE GYMNETINI
Characteristics. Pronotum with basomedian lobe strongly expanded,
apex rounded, covering most of scutellum. Mesepimeron distinct. Posthumeral
emargination of elytra distinct. Surface usually velutinous. Mesometasternal
protrusion developed.
This tribe consists of approximately 29 genera, and 25 of these are restricted
to the New World. Most of the species in the tribe are Neotropical in distribution.
TRIBE CETONIINI
Characteristics. Pronotum lacking basomedian lobe, scutellum
visible. Mesepimeron distinct. Posthumeral emargination of elytra distinct.
Elytra glabrous, velutinous, or with cretaceous patches. Mesometasternal protrusion
developed.
The Cetoniini is a large tribe and consists of about 107 genera. These beetles
are widely distributed around the world although not as commonly in the Neotropics,
Madagascar, or Australasia. There are five genera in the New World (Krikken
1984).
TRIBE CREMASTOCHEILINI
Characteristics. Labium one half to three fourths as wide as
head. Maxillary galea and lacinia usually dentate. Antenna with scape conspicuously
enlarged into flattened, triangular shape. Middle coxae never separated by a
broad protrusion. Body form usually subquadrate, flattened dorsally. Color black
or brown.
The tribe Cremastocheilini contains about 51 genera. About 60% of the genera
are found in Africa while none occur in Madagascar or Australia. In the New
World there are nine genera.
TRIBE
TRICHIINI
Characteristics. Procoxae projecting conically. Pronotum evenly
convex or with weakly impressed midline or pre-discal impression. Mandibles
either weakly or strongly sclerotized. Galea of maxilla usually penicillate.
Protibia with 1-3 teeth. Dorsum uniformly dark brown or black or bicolored or
with cretaceous spots or bands or metallic.
Until relatively recently, the trichiines have been considered as a subfamily
(frequently as a family in Europe). The tribe Trichiini consists of 43 genera
that are found nearly worldwide except Australia and Madagascar. Thirteen genera
are found in the New World with five genera occurring in North America. Key:
Howden 1968b; Mor—n and Krikken 1990.
TRIBE
VALGINI
Characteristics. Antennal insertion visible from above. Pronotum narrower
than elytra and usually with 2 distinct, parallel, longitudinal ridges. Posthumeral
elytral emargination absent. Mesepimeron not visible in dorsal view. Propygidium
and pygidium exposed. Metacoxae widely separated. Protibia with 5 teeth. Body
size small, generally less than 10 mm.
The tribe Valgini consists of 33 genera found nearly worldwide. One genus, Valgus,
is found in the Nearctic region. Key: Krikken 1978. Overview: Arrow 1944.
References cited
KRIKKEN, J. 1984. A new key to the suprageneric taxa in the
beetle family Cetoniidae, with annotated lists of the known genera. Zoologische
Verhandelingen No. 210: 1-75.
MORON, M. A. and B. C. RATCLIFFE. 1989. A synopsis of the American
Goliathini with description of a new Neoscelis from Mexico (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae:
Cetoniiinae). Coleopterists Bulletin 43: 339-348.
RITCHER, P. O. 1966. White Grubs and Their Allies. Oregon State
University Press, Corvallis. 219 pp.
SCHENKLING, S. 1921. Scarabaeidae: Cetoniinae. Coleopterorum
Catalogus 72: 1-431.