Onthophagus batesi
This record describes Onthophagus batesi (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Although this species can be considered common throughout much of its range in Mexico and Central America it is apparently rare in south Texas. The only published records for Texas (and the United States) are those accompanying the original description in Howden and Cartwright (1963). In this work, six specimens are cited from Brownsville collected during June of 1954 and 1955. We recently examined a single female specimen of this species labeled TX: Cameron County, Sabal Palm Grove Audubon Sanctuary, June 2-6, 1986, R. M. Brattain. This is the only specimen we examined from Texas despite our bait-trapping efforts at this and other localities in Cameron County. ( 3 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Onthophagini
- Genus
- Onthophagus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
southmost Texas (Cameron and Hidalgo Counties) / Mexico (widely dist.) to Panama - Map Photo posted here represents the second U.S. county record, Hidalgo Co., TX.
Seasonal Activity
Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June.
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Asso. w/ cow, horse, human and cow dung. In comparison between dung and carrion, O. batesi strongly preferred dung over carrion. (Halffter and Matthews 1966)
Life History
At locations in Chiapas and Guatemala, this species began arriving at dung traps at dusk and continued arriving until about 22:00 hrs. when their activity ceased completely. (Halffter and Matthews 1966) O. batesi constructs a burrow with multiple brood masses (a compound nest). (Halffter and Edmonds 1982)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Onthophagus batesi Howden & Cartwright, 1963
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Onthophagus batesi. 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 Onthophagus batesi
What is Onthophagus batesi?
Onthophagus batesi is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Onthophagus batesi?
Length 6-8 mm., and width 4-5 mm.
Where is Onthophagus batesi found?
Range: southmost Texas (Cameron and Hidalgo Counties) / Mexico (widely dist.) to Panama - Map Photo posted here represents the second U.S. county record, Hidalgo Co., TX.
What does Onthophagus batesi eat?
The diet of the Onthophagus batesi includes Asso. w/ cow, horse, human and cow dung. In comparison between dung and carrion, O. batesi strongly preferred dung over carrion. (Halffter and Matthews 1966).
When is Onthophagus batesi active?
Onthophagus batesi: seasonal activity - Number of compiled Texas collecting events by month: June..
What is the life cycle of a Onthophagus batesi?
At locations in Chiapas and Guatemala, this species began arriving at dung traps at dusk and continued arriving until about 22:00 hrs. when their activity ceased completely. (Halffter and Matthews 1966) O. batesi constructs a burrow with multiple brood masses (a compound nest). (Halffter and Edmonds 1982)