Indicator-taxon

Guides

• Passalidae

  Bess Beetles, Bessbugs, Betsy Beetles, Horned Passalus Beetles

  Passalidae is a family of approximately 500–1000 species of beetles commonly known as bess beetles or patent-leather beetles. They are predominantly tropical and subtropical, with notable North American species distinguished by large size (20–43 mm), a single cephalic horn, and unusual social behavior among beetles. They are among the most important saproxylic insects for wood decomposition in forest ecosystems.

  saproxylicsubsocialstridulationwood-decomposertropical-forestindicator-taxonflightlessendemicmite-associationexternal-rumen