Identification
Onthophagus hecate is dull black, with a brassy look. Pronotum densely granulate.
Male has a long "horn" jutting from pronotum, usually bifurcated at end. See image:
Range
Eastern and central North America. Absent from west.
Habitat
General, has been found near deciduous woodlands in North Carolina and various habitats in Florida.
Season
North Carolina: March-November at low elevations, April-September in mountains. Listed all year from South Carolina. Also found all year in Florida, although especially abundant in the warmer months.
Food
Dung, rotting fruit, carrion.
Life Cycle
Found on dung and carrion.
Remarks
This must be quite a little fighter, with such armament!
Print References
Dillon, p. 514, Plate XLIX
(1)
Papp, p. 182, fig. 625
(2)
Arnett, p. 170, fig. 417
(3)
Harpootlian, p. 21, figs. 29, 248
(4)
Internet References
Abundant in the
NCSU Entomology Collection, with 308 pinned.
Insects of Cedar Creek has photos of specimens male and female, related species.
Insects of Quebec has photos of specimens.
