Trace-fossils

Guides

• Heterocerus brunneus

  Brown Mud-loving Beetle

  Heterocerus brunneus is a species of mud-loving beetle in the family Heteroceridae. Adults and larvae construct burrow structures in substrates with variable moisture content, particularly in muddy or sandy sediments near water. The morphology of these burrows changes with substrate consistency, especially water content. The species has been studied for its paleoecological significance, as its burrows may be preserved as trace fossils. Field observations have been documented in northeastern Kansas.

  burrowingtrace-fossilspaleoecologysubstrate-dependent-morphologymud-loving-beetleaquatic-associatedsediment-dwelling