Omorgus howelli
This record describes Omorgus howelli (species). Recorded family: Trogidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Closely related to the widespread O. suberosus and to a lesser degree to O. tytus considered by FL to be a Species of Greatest Conservation Need • comes to light
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Trogidae (Hide Beetles)
- Genus
- Omorgus (Hastate Hide Beetles)
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
In Florida, known only from the nest of a Crested Caracara ( Caracara cheriway ) ; LA, OK & MO lie outside of caracara's range .
Geographic Range
se.US, FL (FL, MO‒LA to OK‒TX) ( 4 ) (BG data) ( 5 ) (E.G.Riley, pers.comm., 2012)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Omorgus howelli (Howden & Vaurie)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Omorgus howelli. 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 Omorgus howelli (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Omorgus howelli
What is Omorgus howelli?
Omorgus howelli is a species in the family Trogidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Omorgus howelli?
11.5‒12.9 mm ( 3 )
How do you identify Omorgus howelli?
Closely related to the widespread O. suberosus and to a lesser degree to O. tytus
Where is Omorgus howelli found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | In Florida, known only from the nest of a Crested Caracara ( Caracara cheriway ) ; LA, OK & MO lie outside of caracara's range . |
| Range | se.US, FL (FL, MO‒LA to OK‒TX) ( 4 ) (BG data) ( 5 ) (E.G.Riley, pers.comm., 2012) |