Wood-decomposer
Guides
Anaspis
false flower beetles
Anaspis is a large genus of small beetles in the family Scraptiidae, commonly known as false flower beetles. Adults are frequently found on flowers, particularly blossoms of trees, shrubs, and umbellifers, and exhibit a characteristic tumbling behavior when disturbed. Larvae are saproxylic, developing in decaying wood of various deciduous and coniferous trees. The genus is widespread across the Palaearctic region, with species distributed from Western Europe through Siberia to East Asia.
Dynastes grantii
Grant's Hercules Beetle, Western Hercules Beetle
Dynastes grantii is a large rhinoceros beetle native to the southwestern United States and northern Mexico. Adult males possess prominent thoracic horns used in combat, while females lack horns entirely. The species exhibits distinctive grayish-white elytra often marked with irregular black spots. With a body length ranging from 3.5 to 6.0 cm, it is among the largest beetles in its range. The species has a prolonged life cycle, with larvae requiring approximately two years to develop before pupation.
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.