#carcass beetle

[whistledog]

Got a couple of good pictures of a Hide Beetle out in the back field!

[collectiveofanimals]

Carcass Beetle

Omorgus costatus

Omorgus i believe translates into raw organs, while costatus means ribs.

Family: Trogidae (Hide beetles)

Fun Fact: “The larvae live in burrows in the soil under the carcass. They invade the carcass after the soft fleshy parts have gone.” (Source)

Habitat: They are endemic to drier areas of Southeast Asia, Australia, and Tasmania.

Ecosystem Role: They are detritivores consuming animal carcasses and feces. 

[collectiveofanimals]

Omorgus costatus, on Guano Pile, Deer Cave, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia 1 by Alan Cressler Via Flickr: The large nutrient rich guano pile provides a productive habitat for thousands of beetles, roaches, and other invertebrates.

[collectiveofanimals]

Omorgus costatus, on Guano Pile, Deer Cave, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia 2 by Alan Cressler

[collectiveofanimals]

Omorgus costatus, on Guano Pile, Deer Cave, Gunung Mulu National Park, Sarawak, Malaysia 1 by Alan Cressler