Odonteus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Odonteus: //ˈoʊdɒntiːəs//

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Summary

Odonteus is a genus of beetles within the family Bolboceratidae, characterized by their burrowing behavior and sexual dimorphism, particularly in males. The genus includes about 10 recognized species in the area and is significant in ecological terms.

Physical Characteristics

Species range from 5 to 10 mm in size. Eyes are completely divided by a canthus. Males often exhibit prominent horns, reflecting sexual dimorphism.

Identification Tips

Species identification often requires examination of genitalia due to the similar physical characteristics across different species.

Habitat

Adults dig burrows in which they may contain eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults simultaneously, and they provision these burrows with organic matter such as dung and humus.

Distribution

Odonteus species are primarily found in the Holarctic and South Asia, with most species located east of northeastern Texas, and one species being strictly western.

Diet

Adults feed on organic materials, including dung and humus, which they collect to provision their burrows.

Life Cycle

The lifecycle includes stages of eggs, larvae, pupae, and adults, all of which can coexist in the same burrow.

Reproduction

Reproduction occurs within the safety of the burrows they dig, providing protection for eggs and developing young.

Ecosystem Role

They play an important role in nutrient recycling and soil aeration through their burrowing and feeding habits.

Collecting Methods

• Hand collection from burrows
• Pitfall traps
• Light traps

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol storage
• Pinning for museum specimens
• Storage in glass vials

Evolution

The genus Odonteus was established in 1821, with the name Bolboceras being invalidated in 1990 when the earlier publication of Odonteus was recognized as having priority.

Similar Taxa

• Bolboceras

Misconceptions

Some researchers still mistakenly use the name Bolboceras due to its longevity in literature despite it being an invalid name post-1990.

Tags

• beetles
• Coleoptera
• Odonteus
• Bolboceratidae
• burrowing beetles