Onthophagus cavernicollis
This record describes Onthophagus cavernicollis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Slay et al. (2012) categorize this sp. as a troglophile (an animal that may complete its life cycle in a cave, but can also survive outside)
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
Habitat
twilight and dark zones of caves. Of 32 spmns with label data examined by Slay et al. (2012), only five taken outside of caves.
Geographic Range
most records from the Ozark region but range extends sw. to c.TX. (Slay et al. 2012) Type Locality: Cave-Without-A-Name just north of San Antonio, TX
Seasonal Activity
recorded from every month except Aug & Dec. (Slay et al. 2012)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
appears to be closely tied to eastern woodrat ( Neotoma floridana ) nests; association with bat guano not confirmed. Slay et al. (2012) "strongly suspect" the larval food is detritus or dung in N. floridana nests, but larvae still unknown.
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Onthophagus cavernicollis Howden & Cartwright 1963
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Onthophagus cavernicollis. 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 cavernicollis
What is Onthophagus cavernicollis?
Onthophagus cavernicollis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Onthophagus cavernicollis?
7.5‒11.2 mm (Slay et al. 2012)
Where is Onthophagus cavernicollis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | twilight and dark zones of caves. Of 32 spmns with label data examined by Slay et al. (2012), only five taken outside of caves. |
| Range | most records from the Ozark region but range extends sw. to c.TX. (Slay et al. 2012) Type Locality: Cave-Without-A-Name just north of San Antonio, TX |
When is Onthophagus cavernicollis active?
Onthophagus cavernicollis: seasonal activity - recorded from every month except Aug & Dec. (Slay et al. 2012).
What is the life cycle of a Onthophagus cavernicollis?
appears to be closely tied to eastern woodrat ( Neotoma floridana ) nests; association with bat guano not confirmed. Slay et al. (2012) strongly suspect the larval food is detritus or dung in N. floridana nests, but larvae still unknown.