Trox contractus

Robinson, 1940

Trox contractus is a of hide beetle in the Trogidae, described by Robinson in 1940. The species belongs to a group of beetles specialized in consuming dried animal remains, including skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue. Like other members of the Trox, it is associated with late-stage decomposition of carcasses. The species has been recorded from Texas, USA, within the Nearctic region.

Trox contractus sjh.cropped by Shawn Hanrahan. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Trox contractus 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 contractus sjh by No machine-readable author provided. Kugamazog~commonswiki assumed (based on copyright claims).. Used under a CC BY-SA 2.5 license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Trox contractus: /trɔks kənˈtræktəs/

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

Images

Distribution

Nearctic region; recorded from Texas, USA.

Diet

Dried animal remains, including skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue.

Ecological Role

Decomposer; contributes to nutrient cycling by breaking down dried animal remains in late-stage decomposition.

More Details

Taxonomic note

Trox contractus was described by Robinson in 1940. The Trox is currently placed in Trogidae, which was historically allied with scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae) but is now recognized as a distinct family within Scarabaeoidea.