Hide Beetles

Trox

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Trox: /trɒks/

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Trox frontera variation sjh by No machine-readable author provided. Kugamazog~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims).. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.
Trox hamatus sjh.cropped by Shawn Hanrahan. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.
Trox contractus sjh.cropped by Shawn Hanrahan. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.
Trox frontera sjh by No machine-readable author provided. Kugamazog~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims).. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.
Trox plicatus sjh.cropped by Shawn Hanrahan. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.
Trox capillaris sjh.cropped by Shawn Hanrahan. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Summary

Trox is a genus of hide beetles within the family Trogidae, characterized by their role as scavengers of organic material. The genus encompasses various species and has a broad distribution across the globe.

Physical Characteristics

Body length ranges from 3 to 12 mm. Members of the genus exhibit a robust and flattened body form, often with a hardened exoskeleton.

Identification Tips

Hide beetles can often be distinguished by their unique shapes and the texture of their exoskeletons, which may have tubercles or grooves.

Habitat

They typically inhabit areas where there is a presence of carrion, hides, or organic material. Common habitats include owl pellets, bird nests, and decaying matter.

Distribution

Nearly cosmopolitan, with about 80% of species found in Eurasia and Africa, and many species also found in North America.

Diet

Trox beetles predominantly feed on decomposing organic matter, including skin, carrion, and feathers, as well as materials found in bird nests.

Life Cycle

Life cycle stages include egg, larva, pupa, and adult. The duration of each stage can vary based on environmental conditions and food availability.

Reproduction

Mating occurs after adults emerge from pupa, with females laying eggs in suitable decomposing material.

Predators

Common predators include birds, reptiles, and other insects that prey on beetles or their larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Serve as decomposers, helping to break down organic material and recycle nutrients in their ecosystems.

Collecting Methods

  • Light traps
  • Hand collection in suitable habitats
  • Pitfall traps

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol preservation
  • Dry collection in pinned format

Evolution

The genus Trox has undergone significant taxonomic revisions, with previous species segregated into new genera and some merged, resulting in a reduced number of species currently recognized.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Often confused with other beetles of similar size and shape, leading to inaccurate identification.

Tags

  • Trox
  • Hide Beetles
  • Trogidae
  • Scavengers