Powderpost Bostrichid
Amphicerus cornutus
This record describes Amphicerus cornutus (species). Recorded family: Bostrichidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Strong sexual dimorphism. Male with four dentiform projections on declivity, and pronotum with concave front margin, edges cornute Female: elytral declivity simple, pronotum truncate apically comes to lights
Wikipedia reference for Amphicerus cornutus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amphicerus_cornutus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Bostrichidae (Horned Powder-post Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bostrichinae
- Tribe
- Bostrichini
- Genus
- Amphicerus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
s.US (s.CA‒TX, s.FL) to Brazil; W.Indies
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Mesquite ( Prosopis )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Amphicerus cornutus (Pallas 1772)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Amphicerus cornutus. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Powderpost Bostrichid (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by john and jane balaban; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Powderpost Bostrichid
What is Powderpost Bostrichid?
Powderpost Bostrichid (Amphicerus cornutus) is a species in the family Bostrichidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Powderpost Bostrichid?
8‒13 mm
How do you identify Powderpost Bostrichid?
Strong sexual dimorphism. Male with four dentiform projections on declivity, and pronotum with concave front margin, edges cornute Female: elytral declivity simple, pronotum truncate apically
Where is Powderpost Bostrichid found?
Range: s.US (s.CA‒TX, s.FL) to Brazil; W.Indies
What does Powderpost Bostrichid eat?
The diet of the Powderpost Bostrichid includes Mesquite ( Prosopis ).