Macrorhininae

Macrorhininae is a subfamily of beetles within the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as scarab beetles. This subfamily is characterized by the prominent, often horn-like protuberances found on the heads and thoraxes of the males. These structures are thought to be used in intraspecific combat, primarily for access to females. The subfamily contains a single genus, Macrorhinus, which is native to the Afrotropical realm. Species within Macrorhinus are typically medium to large-sized beetles, often exhibiting metallic coloration. The larvae of Macrorhininae, like other scarab beetles, are grub-like and live in the soil, feeding on decaying organic matter. Adult diets vary, with some species feeding on decaying plant material or dung, while others may consume pollen or nectar. The subfamily is not particularly diverse, with only a few described species. Research on Macrorhininae is ongoing, focusing on their evolutionary relationships within Scarabaeidae, their ecological roles, and the biomechanics of their pronotal and cephalic horns. Their distribution is largely confined to sub-Saharan Africa.