Trox laticollis

LeConte, 1854

hide beetle

Trox laticollis is a of hide beetle in the Trogidae. It is found in North America. Like other members of its , it is associated with decomposing animal remains, particularly dried skin, hair, and connective tissue in the later stages of carcass decomposition.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Trox laticollis: /trɔks lætɪˈkɔlɪs/

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

Distribution

North America. Recorded from the United States: Arkansas, Iowa, Maryland, Massachusetts, Nebraska, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, and Wisconsin.

Diet

Dried animal skin, hair, feathers, fur, and connective tissue. and larvae feed on desiccated animal remains in the final stages of decomposition.

Behavior

When disturbed, individuals become motionless in a rigid posture, appearing dead. This , combined with a rough, debris-caked , makes the beetles difficult to detect. They are often found on coyote scat containing fur from prey animals.

Ecological Role

Decomposer; specializes in breaking down keratinous and collagenous materials from dried carcasses that persist after most other carrion insects have departed.

More Details

Taxonomic note

Trox laticollis was described by John Lawrence LeConte in 1854. The specific epithet refers to the broad pronotum characteristic of this .