Odontolytes denominatus
This record describes Odontolytes denominatus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Odontolytes denominatus (Odontolytes denominatus) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as scarab beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Aphodiinae, tribe Eupariini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Scarabaeoidea. This species belongs to the genus Odontolytes.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aphodiinae
- Tribe
- Eupariini
- Genus
- Odontolytes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
TX, FL / Cuba / Mexico to South America
Diet and Behavior
Diet: O. denominatus may be an arboreal litter specialist having been collected in numbers from tree squirrel leaf nests (Smith 2005)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Odontolytes denominatus (Chevrolat, 1864)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Odontolytes denominatus. 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 Odontolytes denominatus (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian
Frequently Asked Questions About Odontolytes denominatus
What is Odontolytes denominatus?
Odontolytes denominatus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Odontolytes denominatus found?
Range: TX, FL / Cuba / Mexico to South America
What does Odontolytes denominatus eat?
The diet of the Odontolytes denominatus includes O. denominatus may be an arboreal litter specialist having been collected in numbers from tree squirrel leaf nests (Smith 2005).