Oscarinus rusicola
This record describes Oscarinus rusicola (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aphodiinae
- Tribe
- Aphodiini
- Genus
- Oscarinus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
abundant in cow dung, common at lights
Geographic Range
e.NA to AB (NF‒FL to AB‒NM) - Map
Diet and Behavior
Life History
supposedly a surface generalist dung feeder
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oscarinus rusicola (Melsheimer 1845)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oscarinus rusicola. 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 Oscarinus rusicola (2)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Oscarinus rusicola
How big is Oscarinus rusicola?
2.7‒5.0 mm
Where is Oscarinus rusicola found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | abundant in cow dung, common at lights |
| Range | e.NA to AB (NF‒FL to AB‒NM) - Map |
What is the life cycle of a Oscarinus rusicola?
supposedly a surface generalist dung feeder