Trox affinis
This record describes Trox affinis (species). Recorded family: Trogidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Male genitalia with apices of lateral lobes needle-like but broader at base Trox aequalis • Trox affinis Differs from aequalis and other spp. of the scaber group in larger size and male genitalia
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Trogidae (Hide Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Troginae
- Genus
- Trox
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
All the type material was collected in the nests of crows in four localities in New Jersey. Robinson reports 24 additional specimens from four crows' nests in May of 1941 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and 52 specimens from a great horned owl's nest in Cupola, Pennsylvania, in June, 1951. He says (p. 231) that the owl was using a crow's former nest, and that the Trox were feeding "on the hair of rabbits and feathers of pheasant and grouse, which remains were found in the nest."
Geographic Range
Some northeastern states, also Iowa (Robinson, 1940), Kansas(?) (female), Louisiana(?) (female), east Texas , and California (Robinson, 1941).
Diet and Behavior
Life History
crow nests or nests used formerly by crows
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Trox affinis Robinson 1940
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trox affinis. 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 Trox affinis (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Mike Quinn; Additional contributions by v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Trox affinis
What is Trox affinis?
Trox affinis is a species in the family Trogidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Trox affinis?
6‒8 mm
How do you identify Trox affinis?
Male genitalia with apices of lateral lobes needle-like but broader at base Trox aequalis • Trox affinis Differs from aequalis and other spp. of the scaber group in larger size and male genitalia
Where is Trox affinis found?
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Habitat | All the type material was collected in the nests of crows in four localities in New Jersey. Robinson reports 24 additional specimens from four crows' nests in May of 1941 in Chester County, Pennsylvania, and 52 specimens from a great horned owl's nest in Cupola, Pennsylvania, in June, 1951. He says (p. 231) that the owl was using a crow's former nest, and that the Trox were feeding on the hair of rabbits and feathers of pheasant and grouse, which remains were found in the nest. |
| Range | Some northeastern states, also Iowa (Robinson, 1940), Kansas(?) (female), Louisiana(?) (female), east Texas , and California (Robinson, 1941). |
What is the life cycle of a Trox affinis?
crow nests or nests used formerly by crows