Trox fascifer
LeConte, 1854
hide beetle
Trox fascifer is a of hide beetle in the Trogidae, found in western North America including California and British Columbia. As a member of this family, it is associated with decomposing animal remains, particularly dried skin, hair, feathers, and other keratinous materials. The species was described by LeConte in 1854.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Trox fascifer: /tɹɒks ˈfæsɪfɚ/
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Distribution
North America: recorded from California, USA and British Columbia, Canada.
Diet
Dried animal remains including skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue; has been observed on coyote scat containing fur.
Behavior
are known to feign death () when disturbed, freezing in a rigid posture. They are frequently covered in debris, making them cryptic and difficult to detect.
Ecological Role
Decomposer; contributes to breakdown of dried animal remains and keratinous materials in late-stage decomposition.
Similar Taxa
- Trox sonoraeAnother small North American Trox ; both are cryptic hide beetles found on carrion remains, but T. sonorae has been specifically documented at 8-11 mm in Colorado while T. fascifer is known from California and British Columbia.
- Dermestes talpinusAlso found on bones and dried remains, but belongs to Dermestidae; distinguished by different body shape and patterns (gold/coppery scales on pronotum, silvery on in D. talpinus).
More Details
Taxonomic Note
Trogidae is a small of beetles closely allied to Scarabaeidae. The family is sometimes treated as a (Troginae) within Scarabaeidae in older classifications.