Onthophagus pennsylvanicus
This record describes Onthophagus pennsylvanicus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Sexual dimorphism not pronounced [males without obvious horns or protuberances]; similar to O. oklahomensis
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
ON & most of the US east of the Rockies (NH‒FL to ND‒CO‒AZ)
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Onthophagus pennsylvanicus Harold 1871
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Onthophagus pennsylvanicus. 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 pennsylvanicus (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , nebbeetle , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Onthophagus pennsylvanicus
What is Onthophagus pennsylvanicus?
Onthophagus pennsylvanicus is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Onthophagus pennsylvanicus?
3.5‒5.0 mm
How do you identify Onthophagus pennsylvanicus?
Sexual dimorphism not pronounced [males without obvious horns or protuberances]; similar to O. oklahomensis
Where is Onthophagus pennsylvanicus found?
Range: ON & most of the US east of the Rockies (NH‒FL to ND‒CO‒AZ)