Ozognathus cornutus
This record describes Ozognathus cornutus (species). Recorded family: Ptinidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
The two horns of the male meet at their incurved tips
Wikipedia reference for Ozognathus cornutus: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ozognathus_cornutus.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Bostrichoidea
- Family
- Ptinidae (Death-watch and Spider Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Ernobiinae
- Tribe
- Ozognathini
- Genus
- Ozognathus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
w.CA & Mexico - Map , recently introduced and quickly naturalized in so. Europe and New Zealand
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Rather polyphagous in dry plant matter (fruits, stems, galls)
Life History
hatched in great numbers from some galls
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: cornutus (L). 'having horns'
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Ozognathus cornutus. 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 Ozognathus cornutus (3)
Photo credits: Contributed by Joyce Gross; Additional contributions by Mike Quinn , Boris Bueche , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Ozognathus cornutus
What is Ozognathus cornutus?
Ozognathus cornutus is a species in the family Ptinidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Ozognathus cornutus?
1.5-2.5 mm
How do you identify Ozognathus cornutus?
The two horns of the male meet at their incurved tips
Where is Ozognathus cornutus found?
Range: w.CA & Mexico - Map , recently introduced and quickly naturalized in so. Europe and New Zealand
What does Ozognathus cornutus eat?
The diet of the Ozognathus cornutus includes Rather polyphagous in dry plant matter (fruits, stems, galls).
What is the life cycle of a Ozognathus cornutus?
hatched in great numbers from some galls