Odontotaenius floridanus
This record describes Odontotaenius floridanus (species). Recorded family: Passalidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Distinguished from O. disjunctus (which also occurs in FL) by the horn shape and wider foretibia Type Locality: Archbold Biological Station near Lake Placid, Highlands Co., Florida
Wikipedia reference for Odontotaenius floridanus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Odontotaenius_floridanus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Passalidae (Bess Beetles)
- Genus
- Odontotaenius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Breeds in dead wood in open Florida scrub habitat.
Geographic Range
endemic to Highlands and Volusia Cos. of c. Florida - Map
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Odontotaenius floridanus. 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 Odontotaenius floridanus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by metrioptera; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn
Frequently Asked Questions About Odontotaenius floridanus
What is Odontotaenius floridanus?
Odontotaenius floridanus is a species in the family Passalidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Odontotaenius floridanus?
Distinguished from O. disjunctus (which also occurs in FL) by the horn shape and wider foretibia
Where is Odontotaenius floridanus found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | Breeds in dead wood in open Florida scrub habitat. |
| Range | endemic to Highlands and Volusia Cos. of c. Florida - Map |