Trox scaber
This record describes Trox scaber (species). Recorded family: Trogidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Roughly sculptured elytra and pronotum, with bristly scales on the elytral ridges. In the nests of certain birds such as owls and jackdaws. April to August. It is not often seen due to its lifestyle but is occasionally attracted to light although it does not often fly. It develops in bird nests in places such as hollow trees, particularly owl nests but also jackdaw, woodpecker and others. Feeds mainly on small carcases, especially when dry. Scattered records from England south of the Humber and Wales, it seems to be scarce on under recorded elsewhere in Britain.
Wikipedia reference for Trox scaber: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Trox_scaber.
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
In the nests of certain birds such as owls and jackdaws.
Seasonal Activity
April to August. It is not often seen due to its lifestyle but is occasionally attracted to light although it does not often fly.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It develops in bird nests in places such as hollow trees, particularly owl nests but also jackdaw, woodpecker and others. Feeds mainly on small carcases, especially when dry.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Scattered records from England south of the Humber and Wales, it seems to be scarce on under recorded elsewhere in Britain.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Trox scaber. 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 scaber (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Trox scaber
What is Trox scaber?
Trox scaber is a species in the family Trogidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Trox scaber found?
Habitat: In the nests of certain birds such as owls and jackdaws.
When is Trox scaber active?
Trox scaber: seasonal activity - April to August. It is not often seen due to its lifestyle but is occasionally attracted to light although it does not often fly..
What is the life cycle of a Trox scaber?
It develops in bird nests in places such as hollow trees, particularly owl nests but also jackdaw, woodpecker and others. Feeds mainly on small carcases, especially when dry.