Trogidae are small to medium-sized beetles belonging to the superfamily Scarabaeoidea. Their bodies are characterised by a strongly sculptured, bumpy surface and camouflage colouring, which is often complemented by a layer of adhering soil and secretions. These beetles specialise primarily in the decomposition of dry animal remains – skin, fur, feathers, tendons or dried-out carcasses. They are thus among the final stages in the decomposition process of carrion. Most species are inconspicuously coloured in shades of grey, brown or black. In the wild, they are most commonly found beneath dried-out carcasses, in the nests of birds of prey and owls, or in the burrows of mammals. Trogidae are found almost worldwide, with the greatest diversity occurring in drier and warmer regions. Although they are not conspicuous beetles, they are significant in ecosystems and in forensic entomology, as their presence on carcasses helps to determine the advanced stages of decomposition. Their fossils date back to the Lower Cretaceous (Aptian), indicating the ancient origins of this group.

Number of Species:

Family Card

Omorgus suberosus

 

Trox cadaverinus

 

Trox eversmannii

 

Trox hispidus

 

Trox niger

 

Trox perrisii

 

Trox sabulosus

 

Trox scaber