Odonteus obesus
LeConte, 1859
Stout Earth-boring Scarab Beetle
Odonteus obesus is a of earth-boring scarab beetle described by LeConte in 1859. It belongs to the Bolboceratidae (sometimes historically placed in Geotrupidae), a group of beetles specialized for burrowing in soil. The species is known from western North America, with records across the western United States and southwestern Canada. Its , Stout Earth-boring Scarab Beetle, reflects its robust body form and lifestyle.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Odonteus obesus: /oʊˈdɒntiːəs oʊˈbiːsəs/
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Distribution
Western North America. Documented from the United States (Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Nevada, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Washington, Wyoming) and Canada (Alberta, British Columbia).
More Details
Family placement
This has been variously placed in Geotrupidae (earth-boring dung beetles) and Bolboceratidae. Current taxonomic consensus places Bolboceratidae as a distinct within Scarabaeoidea, though some sources still use Geotrupidae.