Ochodaeidae

Distinguished from other Scarabaeoidea families by the presence of crenulation or serration on at least one mesotibial spur. Within the family, subfamilies are separated by metatibial spur crenulation (present in Chaetocanthinae, absent in Ochodaeinae), metatibial flattening (present in Chaetocanthinae, absent in Ochodaeinae), and presence of abdominal stridulatory apparatus (absent in Chaetocanthinae, usually present in Ochodaeinae). The genus Atlantochodaeus is distinguished from Parochodaeus by rounded posterolateral eye margins, small ventral eye surface, non-prominent gula, widely separated mesocoxae, and slightly prominent elytral apex.

Small beetles, 3–10 mm in length. Body elongate and convex. Coloration ranges from black and brown to yellowish- and reddish-brown shades. Antennae terminate in lamellate clubs. Legs possess teeth and are adapted for digging. Mesotibial spurs are crenulated or serrated, a diagnostic family trait. Metatibia somewhat flattened in Chaetocanthinae, not flattened in Ochodaeinae. Abdomen of Ochodaeinae usually bears a stridulatory apparatus; Chaetocanthinae lacks this structure.

Primarily associated with sandy substrates. Most species collected in sandy areas. The genus Atlantochodaeus occurs in the Brazilian Atlantic Forest. Ochodaeus berytensis has been found in truffle cultivation areas in Upper Galilee, Israel. Parochodaeus bituberculatus occurs in Andean regions.

Widespread distribution with records from multiple continents: South America (Brazil, Chile, Peru, Argentina), Asia (including Palaearctic Asia), Madagascar, Africa (Namibia), Israel, and other regions. Distribution patterns suggest expansion through Andean Mountain passes in South America.

Most types have been collected at night. Some species are active during the day. Activity patterns likely vary by species and region.

• Tuber aestivum - pestOchodaeus berytensis damages cultivated summer truffles in Israel; first recorded association of Ochodaeidae with hypogeal fungi

The life cycle of Ochodaeus berytensis is believed to occur elsewhere than within truffles, likely at the expense of another unknown hypogeal fungus. Specific details of developmental stages are unknown for most of the family.

Primarily nocturnal; most specimens collected at night using light traps (white light or UV) and flight interception traps. Some species active during the day. Ochodaeus berytensis damages ripe truffle fruiting bodies through borings, tunnels, and galleries.

Long assumed to be mycophagous based on family-level characteristics. Ochodaeus berytensis represents the first confirmed association with hypogeal fungi. Specific ecosystem functions remain poorly documented for most species.

Ochodaeus berytensis is an agricultural pest in truffle cultivation systems in Israel, causing substantial damage to Tuber aestivum fruiting bodies. No other significant human interactions documented.

• LeiodidaeLeiodes cinnamomea produces similar damage patterns (borings, tunnels, galleries) in truffles; damage to Tuber aestivum by Ochodaeus berytensis was compared to this leiodid beetle
• Other Scarabaeoidea familiesOchodaeidae shares lamellate antennae and digging-adapted legs with other scarab beetles, but is distinguished by crenulated mesotibial spurs

• scarab beetles
• mycophagy
• sand-associated
• nocturnal
• truffle pest

• BugGuide
• Wikipedia
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
• NCBI Taxonomy
• Catalogue of Life
• Parochodaeus bituberculatus (Erichson) (Coleoptera: Ochodaeidae) and Faargia gentilii (Martínez) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae), two species newly discovered in Chile
• Ochodaeus berytensis Petrovitz (Coleoptera: Ochodaeidae), a new pest of the truffle Tuber aestivum in Upper Galilee, Israel
• Atlantochodaeus, A New Genus of Ochodaeidae Streubel, 1846 (Coleoptera, Scarabaeoidea) from Brazilian Atlantic Forest with Four New Species and Morphological Notes to the Family