ExploreInsects

Horned Passalid

Odontotaenius disjunctus

The Horned Passalid is a cool beetle with big horns! They love to live in decaying wood and help break it down. These beetles are fun to watch as they scurry around in the forest.

Habitat: Forests

Appearance

The Horned Passalid is a large, shiny black beetle with deeply grooved wing covers (elytra). Males have a distinctive, short horn on their head. Its robust, elongated body makes it look like a miniature tank.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyPassalidaeGenusOdontotaenius
Horned Passalid
social trait badgehorned trait badgescavenger trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Horned Passalid

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

1/5 · Very low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Both mom and dad beetles work together to raise their babies!

Horned Passalids are the only truly social beetles found in North America!

They can live for several years hidden deep inside logs!

They hum, hiss, and click to 'talk' to family members!

Special abilities

Ability

Talking Beetle

Horned Passalid can 'talk' using over 10 different sounds by rubbing body parts, which helps them communicate within their log home.

Ability

Team Parent

Horned Passalid parents chew and prepare wood for their larvae, and protect them from predators, helping their young grow strong.

Ability

Log Recycler

Horned Passalid larvae and adults tunnel through dead wood, breaking it down into soil nutrients, which helps forests stay healthy.

Measurements & details

Wingspan
60-80 mm
Size
30-40 mm
Lifespan
365-1095 days
Leg Count
6
Colony Size
2-10

Diet & Feeding

Horned Passalids are nature's recyclers, munching on decaying wood.

Primary Foods

  • Decaying hardwood
  • Wood fungi

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

1/5 · Very low

These beetles are safe to observe, but it's best to leave them in their home.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Horned Passalid's wingspan?

60-80 mm

How big is Horned Passalid?

30-40 mm

How long does Horned Passalid live?

365-1095 days

What does Horned Passalid eat?

Horned Passalids are nature's recyclers, munching on decaying wood.

Where is Horned Passalid usually found?

Forests

How does Horned Passalid hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Horned Passalid have?

6

How large are Horned Passalid colonies?

2-10

Snap Map

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Where to spot

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