When did Carl Linnaeus describe Scarabaeus sacer?
Carl Linnaeus described Scarabaeus sacer in the 10th edition of Systema Naturae published on the 2nd of May 1758. This publication serves as the starting point for all modern zoological nomenclature.
Questions about Scarabaeus sacer
Short answers, pulled from the story.
Where does Scarabaeus sacer live geographically?
Scarabaeus sacer inhabits southern Europe, northern Africa, and western Asia across a vast geographic range. Records list countries from Afghanistan to Ukraine with specific mentions of coastal regions near the Mediterranean Sea.
How long is an adult Scarabaeus beetle?
Adults measure between 15 and 25 millimeters in length and display an all-black exoskeleton. A distinctive array of six projections covers the head resembling rays extending outward.
Why did ancient Egyptians view Scarabaeus sacer as sacred?
Ancient Egyptians viewed Scarabaeus sacer as a symbol of Khepri the early morning manifestation of Ra. They drew an analogy between the beetle rolling a ball across the ground and the sun god moving the sun across the sky.
When was the type species status of Scarabaeus sacer officially confirmed by the International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature?
The International Commission on Zoological Nomenclature issued a ruling on the 1st of January 2014 that restored Hope's 1837 designation. Their decision confirmed S. sacer as the true type species after a dispute arose regarding which specimen should define the group when Pierre André Latreille made a designation in 1810.