Oiceoptoma thoracicum
This record describes Oiceoptoma thoracicum (species). Recorded family: Silphidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sometimes known as the Red-breasted Carrion Beetle, this is a two coloured species and distinctive in appearance. Found on or under the carcasses of birds and small mammals, often in woodland habitats. Curiously enough this species does not eat the material itself, but both adults and larvae hunt for larvae of other insects, such as flies, eating from the remains. Widespread but not particularly common in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Oiceoptoma thoracicum: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Oiceoptoma_thoracicum.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Silphidae
- Genus
- Oiceoptoma
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Found on or under the carcasses of birds and small mammals, often in woodland habitats.
Seasonal Activity
Mainly April to August.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Curiously enough this species does not eat the material itself, but both adults and larvae hunt for larvae of other insects, such as flies, eating from the remains.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Widespread but not particularly common in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oiceoptoma thoracicum. 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.
Frequently Asked Questions About Oiceoptoma thoracicum
What is Oiceoptoma thoracicum?
Oiceoptoma thoracicum is a species in the family Silphidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Oiceoptoma thoracicum found?
Habitat: Found on or under the carcasses of birds and small mammals, often in woodland habitats.
When is Oiceoptoma thoracicum active?
Oiceoptoma thoracicum: seasonal activity - Mainly April to August..
What is the life cycle of a Oiceoptoma thoracicum?
Curiously enough this species does not eat the material itself, but both adults and larvae hunt for larvae of other insects, such as flies, eating from the remains.