Odonteus thoracicornis
This record describes Odonteus thoracicornis (species). Recorded family: Geotrupidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Males usually have pronotal armature, sometimes large curving projections. Among the NA species, this one is most similar to the European O. armiger
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Geotrupidae (Earth-Boring Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Bolboceratinae
- Genus
- Odonteus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
a Clemson student caught many in unbaited pitfall traps in a recently burned forest
Geographic Range
e US (PA‒FL to NE‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
Probably year round, at least in the south, active above ground only after rain
Diet and Behavior
Diet: detritus
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Odonteus thoracicornis Wallis 1928
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Odonteus thoracicornis. 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 Odonteus thoracicornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Bbarnd , Mike Quinn , nebbeetle , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Odonteus thoracicornis
What is Odonteus thoracicornis?
Odonteus thoracicornis is a species in the family Geotrupidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Odonteus thoracicornis?
~10 mm
How do you identify Odonteus thoracicornis?
Males usually have pronotal armature, sometimes large curving projections. Among the NA species, this one is most similar to the European O. armiger
Where is Odonteus thoracicornis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | a Clemson student caught many in unbaited pitfall traps in a recently burned forest |
| Range | e US (PA‒FL to NE‒TX) |
What does Odonteus thoracicornis eat?
The diet of the Odonteus thoracicornis includes detritus.
When is Odonteus thoracicornis active?
Odonteus thoracicornis: seasonal activity - Probably year round, at least in the south, active above ground only after rain.