Hide Beetles
Trogidae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
- Family: Trogidae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Trogidae: /ˈtɹoʊɡɪˌdiː/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Trogidae, or hide beetles, are specialized scavengers found worldwide, primarily in dry environments. They play a key role in decomposition, with a unique morphology that allows them to evade predation.
Physical Characteristics
Trogidae are characterized by their distinct soil-encrusted, warty, or bumpy appearance, typically ranging in color from brown to gray or black. They have an oblong to oval shape with a flat abdomen and range in length from 2 to 20 mm. Their antennae are short and clubbed, with hardened elytra covered in small knobs. Larvae are creamy yellow/white with dark, heavily sclerotized heads.
Identification Tips
Look for their bumpy texture and tendency to encrust themselves with soil. They have a flat abdomen and heavy limbs resembling scarab beetles.
Habitat
Trogids are primarily found in dry environments, including carrion, owl pellets, bird and mammal nests, and around carnivore scat containing hair and bones, often in temperate plains areas.
Distribution
Trogidae are found worldwide, with most species in dry environments rather than moist. They show various distributions across different continents, with diversity in genus presence based on region.
Diet
They primarily feed on decomposing carcasses, including skin, bone, hair, and feathers. Adult and larval Trogidae consume dry remains.
Life Cycle
The life cycle specifics of Trogidae are poorly understood; they typically undergo three to five instars. Females produce chirping noises to attract males for mating, and after mating, they dig small vertical columns to lay eggs beneath carcasses.
Reproduction
After mating, the female lays her eggs, and larvae hatch after an unknown amount of time. Both adults and larvae are found feeding on dry carcass remains, indicating they are among the last scavengers to visit a carcass.
Predators
Trogidae avoid detection by covering themselves in soil and remaining motionless. They can be preyed upon by birds that find them in nests.
Ecosystem Role
Trogidae play a crucial role as scavengers, aiding in the decomposition of carrion and recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Cultural Significance
Trogidae have been utilized in museums for cleaning skeletons by consuming dried material, serving as an effective method for bone stripping.
Collecting Methods
- Light traps
- Pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Drying specimens
- Freezing specimens
Evolution
There is controversy regarding whether Trogidae is a distinct family or a subfamily of Scarabaeidae. Evolutionary adaptations related to ommatidium structure in response to different environmental pressures have been observed.
Similar Taxa
Misconceptions
The common name 'skin beetle' is often confused with certain members of Dermestidae, which can mislead identification.
Tags
- beetles
- scavengers
- forensic entomology
- ecology