Oxyomus sylvestris
This record describes Oxyomus sylvestris (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
- Oxyomus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to the Palæarctic, adventive in NA (transcontinental in the north: BC, SK, QC‒NS; ne.US, PNW, and scattered localities in between)
Diet and Behavior
Diet: decaying organic matter, incl. excrement and mushrooms
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Oxyomus sylvestris (Scopoli 1763)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Oxyomus sylvestris. 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 Oxyomus sylvestris (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Oxyomus sylvestris
How big is Oxyomus sylvestris?
2.5‒4.0 mm
Where is Oxyomus sylvestris found?
Range: native to the Palæarctic, adventive in NA (transcontinental in the north: BC, SK, QC‒NS; ne.US, PNW, and scattered localities in between)
What does Oxyomus sylvestris eat?
The diet of the Oxyomus sylvestris includes decaying organic matter, incl. excrement and mushrooms.