Ox Beetles are stout beetles that are quite hairy on their ventral side (belly). They are nocturnal, and therefore usually seen at night. They are dark brown all over. The male Ox beetle has horns growing off of the pronotum (shoulder plate). In young males, they are more like bumps. Females do not have either. Males use these horns to fight over females.
Habitat for this species of beetle is typically pine forests, and they can be found in most of the gulf and Atlantic coastal states. Adults eat decaying tree roots. Nocturnal larvae are C-shaped grubs that hatch from a burrow in the ground. Females lay eggs there and bring leaf litter into the burrow so the newly hatched larvae have a food supply. As they mature, they begin to eat decaying tree roots, just like the grown-ups.
General Characteristics Capability, Shape, Texture/Pattern, Benefits, Dangers
* MAP NOTES: The territorial heat map above showcases (in red) the states and territories of North America where the Ox Beetle may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data is useful when attempting to see concentrations of particular species across the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some insects are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America. States/Territories shown above are a general indicator of areas inhabited by the Ox Beetle. Insects generally go where they please, typically driven by diet, environmental changes, and / or mating habits.
Colors: black; brown 
