Leather beetle
- Pronunciation
- /LETH-er BEE-tuhl/
- Category
- Taxonomy
- Singular
- Leather beetle
- Plural
- Leather beetles
Definition
A beetle of the family Trogidae, characterized by their thick, often wrinkled exoskeleton that resembles leather. They are primarily scavengers feeding on dry animal remains.
Etymology
Derived from the texture of their exoskeleton, which resembles leather, and the term 'beetle' from Old English 'bitela', meaning 'biter'.
Example
Leather beetles play an important ecological role by feeding on and breaking down carcasses and other decaying animal matter.
Synonyms
Related Terms
- Trogidae
- Scavenger
- Exoskeleton
Usage Notes
Leather beetles are often found in carrion, where their tough exoskeleton protects them from desiccation and predation.