Trox foveicollis
Harold, 1872
hide beetle
Trox foveicollis is a of in the , currently classified under the Glyptotrox. The species is known from the central and eastern United States and adjacent Canada. Like other hide beetles, it is associated with decomposing animal remains in advanced stages of decay.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Trox foveicollis: /trɔks foʊ.viˈkɔl.ɪs/
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Habitat
Associated with decomposing animal remains, particularly in the final stages of decay when dried skin, hair, feathers, and connective tissue remain. Has been observed on coyote scat containing fur, suggesting use of alternative substrates with concentrated keratinous material.
Distribution
Nearctic region: United States (Arkansas, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Missouri, Nebraska, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Texas, Wisconsin) and Canada (Ontario).
Diet
Consumes dried animal skin, hair, feathers, fur, and connective tissue from carcasses in advanced decomposition.
Behavior
are frequently covered in debris, rendering them cryptic and difficult to detect. When disturbed, they enter (death-feigning), freezing in a rigid posture that can persist for minutes. This is so convincing that specimens have been presumed dead before reanimating.
Ecological Role
specializing in the stages of vertebrate carcass breakdown, processing keratinous materials that most other carrion cannot digest.
Similar Taxa
- Trox sonoraeBoth are small (8-11 mm) in the same complex, with similar cryptic appearance and . T. sonorae is western in distribution; T. foveicollis is central/eastern. Both feed on dried animal remains.
- Dermestes spp. also occur on dried carcasses and bones, but belong to Dermestidae. They lack the of and have different antennal structure.