Onthophagus nuchicornis
This record describes Onthophagus nuchicornis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
accidentally introduced to North America prior to the 1840s
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
native to the Palaearctic (widespread; common), adventive and widespread in NA (across s.Canada and n.US south to WA‒MT‒MN‒MO‒MD)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Onthophagus nuchicornis (Linnaeus 1758)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Onthophagus nuchicornis. 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 nuchicornis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Jim McClarin; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Lynette Elliott , v belov , Harsi S. Parker
Frequently Asked Questions About Onthophagus nuchicornis
What is Onthophagus nuchicornis?
Onthophagus nuchicornis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Onthophagus nuchicornis?
6.5‒10 mm
Where is Onthophagus nuchicornis found?
Range: native to the Palaearctic (widespread; common), adventive and widespread in NA (across s.Canada and n.US south to WA‒MT‒MN‒MO‒MD)