Oomorphus floridanus
Horn, 1893
Oomorphus floridanus is a leaf beetle in the Chrysomelidae, first described by Horn in 1893. The occurs in the Caribbean and North America, with documented association with young pine foliage. Unusually among leaf beetles, it has been observed engaging in , specifically feeding on the excreta of the eastern woodrat (Neotoma floridana).
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Oomorphus floridanus: /oʊˈoʊmɔrfəs flɔˈrɪdənəs/
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Habitat
Found in foliage of young pine trees.
Distribution
Caribbean and North America.
Diet
Engages in , feeding on excreta of Neotoma floridana (eastern woodrat).
Host Associations
- Pinus - young pine foliage
- Neotoma floridana - food sourceexcreta
More Details
Unusual feeding behavior
is rarely documented in leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae), making this notable for its consumption of mammal excreta rather than plant material.
Sources and further reading
- BugGuide
- Wikipedia
- GBIF taxonomy match
- iNaturalist taxon
- Bembicid Holdings | Entomology Research Museum
- Bugs in Orange and Black, Part II: A spooky southern predator heads north in a warming world – Florida predatory stink bug, Euthyrhynchus floridanus — Bug of the Week
- Northern hospitality for the Florida predatory stink bug, Euthyrhynchus floridanus, and wax scales, Ceroplastes spp. — Bug of the Week
- Amped-Up Ants: Caterpillars' Sugary Treats Earn Carpenter Ant Care
- Bug Eric: Spider Sunday: Funnel-web Wolf Spiders
- Cimbicidae | Beetles In The Bush