Onthophagus depressus
This record describes Onthophagus depressus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
clypeus sharply emarginate, pronotum appear rough, granulate earliest record in our area: GA 1937
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
adventive to SC‒FL (scattered locations) , native to so. Africa
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Onthophagus depressus Harold 1871
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Onthophagus depressus. 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 Onthophagus depressus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by v belov; Additional contributions by Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , Dave Almquist
Frequently Asked Questions About Onthophagus depressus
What is Onthophagus depressus?
Onthophagus depressus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Onthophagus depressus?
6.0‒7.7 mm
How do you identify Onthophagus depressus?
clypeus sharply emarginate, pronotum appear rough, granulate
Where is Onthophagus depressus found?
Range: adventive to SC‒FL (scattered locations) , native to so. Africa