Onthophagus oklahomensis
This record describes Onthophagus oklahomensis (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Similar to O. pennsylvanicus , but usually smaller and with two sizes of punctures on pronotum (punctures uniform in O. pennsylvanicus )
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
More common in sandy areas
Geographic Range
se.US (MD‒FL to KS‒TX) - Map
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Onthophagus oklahomensis Brown 1927
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Onthophagus oklahomensis. 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 oklahomensis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Brad Barnd; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Onthophagus oklahomensis
What is Onthophagus oklahomensis?
Onthophagus oklahomensis is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Onthophagus oklahomensis?
2.7‒4.1 mm
How do you identify Onthophagus oklahomensis?
Similar to O. pennsylvanicus , but usually smaller and with two sizes of punctures on pronotum (punctures uniform in O. pennsylvanicus )
Where is Onthophagus oklahomensis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | More common in sandy areas |
| Range | se.US (MD‒FL to KS‒TX) - Map |