Do Bess Beetles Bite? Uncovering the Truth About These Insects

folder_openColeoptera, Insecta
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Bess beetles, also known as betsy beetles or patent leather beetles, are insects belonging to the family Passalidae.

They are predominantly found in tropical regions, with only two species inhabiting temperate climates, such as the eastern United States and Japan [1].

These beetles play a crucial ecological role, as they help recycle rotting wood in their habitats [2].

 

Do Bess Beetles Bite
Bess Beetles

 

Do Bess Beetles Bite?

Although Bess beetles might appear intimidating due to their size, typically 1 ½ inches (4 cm) long, they are not known to be harmful to humans or pets [3].

Bess beetles generally spend their time breaking down rotting wood, and they don’t have a tendency to bite humans or pets.

So, there’s no need to worry about their bites, as these beetles are more focused on their ecological niche than on being a threat to anyone.

Bess Beetle Characteristics

Physical Features

Bess beetles, also known as Odontotaenius disjunctus, belong to the insect order Coleoptera. They exhibit some unique features:

  • Size: Adults are about 1 ½ inches (4 cm) long.
  • Exoskeleton: They have a shiny, dark brown to black exoskeleton.
  • Elytra: Their elytra (hardened front wings) are smooth and glossy.
  • Horn: These beetles possess a single horn on their head.
  • Mandibles: They have robust, strong mandibles used for chewing wood.
  • Antennae: Their antennae are short and club-shaped.

Bess beetles are not rhinoceros beetles, but they share some similarities, such as the presence of a horn on their head.

Social Behavior

Bess beetles are gentle insects, known for their social behavior. They live in colonies within decaying logs, where they nurture their larvae.

Adults and larvae work together to break down wood, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. Bess beetles are not known for biting humans.

Stridulation Sounds

One of the most fascinating characteristics of bess beetles is their ability to produce squeaking sounds, also known as stridulation.

They create these sounds by rubbing body parts together, mainly using ridges and a scraper found on their exoskeleton.

These sounds are used to communicate within the colony, and can be heard if the beetle is handled or disturbed.

 

Bess Beetle

 

Bess Beetle’s Life Cycle and Habitat

Life Cycle

Bess beetles, also known as bessbugs or patent leather beetles, have a complete metamorphosis during their life cycle.

  • Egg stage lasts for 7 to 10 days
  • Larvae (which can produce begging calls using their hind and middle leg pairs) feed on rotting wood
  • Pupation occurs before adulthood

Preferred Habitat

Bess beetles, specifically the Odontotaenius disjunctus species, are native to the eastern U.S. and prefer inhabiting hardwood logs in deciduous woodlands.

Key features of their ideal habitat include:

  • Oak, hickory, and maple trees for a food source
  • Decaying wood to house microflora (necessary for their digestion)
  • Damp hardwood logs for laying their eggs

Bess beetles are usually non-aggressive and don’t pose a threat to humans. Their diet consists of decaying wood, making them important for maintaining a healthy ecosystem.

Comparing Bess Beetles and Stag Beetles

Feature Bess Beetle Stag Beetle
Size 1 ½ inches long 1 to 4 inches long
Food Source Decaying wood Decaying wood for larvae, adults may consume nectar
Interaction Non-aggressive Non-aggressive
Legs Hind legs used for larval communication Large mandibles used in fighting

 

Bess Beetles and Their Diet

Primary Food Sources

Bess beetles mainly feed on rotting wood. Both adult beetles and their larvae consume decaying wood, which comes mostly from:

  • Deciduous trees
  • Woody debris

They prefer softer wood that has been partially broken down by fungi and bacteria.

Role in Ecosystem

Bess beetles play a crucial role in forest ecosystems as decomposers.

They help in breaking down wood and returning nutrients to the environment. Here are some key facts about their role:

  • Convert wood into simpler materials
  • Release nutrients back into the soil
  • Aid in the natural recycling process

Bess beetles also contribute to the overall biodiversity of the forest by making dead wood a habitable environment for various microorganisms.

 

 

Mite Relationship

These beetles have a unique relationship with mites. Mites can often be found living on the exoskeleton of bess beetles, and they engage in a symbiotic relationship where both species benefit. Here’s how this relationship works:

  • Mites feed on fungi and bacteria that grow on the beetle’s poop
  • Cleaning the beetles can help prevent harmful microflora growth
  • Beetles provide mites with a consistent food source and transportation

This fascinating relationship illustrates the complexity of the forest ecosystem, where diverse species interact to promote a more stable environment.

 

Bess Beetles as Pets

Caring for Bess Beetle Pets

Bess beetles, also known as Horned Passalus or Patent Leather Beetles, are unique and low-maintenance pets.

To care for a Bess beetle as a pet, you should:

  • Provide a spacious and well-ventilated enclosure
  • Mimic their natural habitat with rotten wood, soil, and some leaves
  • Maintain a slightly damp environment
  • Feed them fruits and vegetables occasionally

Potential Health Risks

Although Bess beetles pose minimal risks, it is essential to be aware of potential health concerns. Some issues to consider include:

  • Mites: Bess beetles may carry mites that can pose a risk to the beetles’ health and the cleanliness of their enclosure. Routine cleaning and inspection can help mitigate mite infestations.
  • Allergic reactions: Some people may be allergic to Bess beetles or their secretions. If you experience any itching, rashes, or respiratory issues after handling your beetle, consult a medical professional.
  • Provoked bites: While Bess beetles are generally docile, they may bite if provoked. Their bites are not venomous, but they can be painful.

Here’s a comparison table of some common pet invertebrates:

Pet Invertebrate Strengths Weaknesses
Bess beetles Low-maintenance, docile Can bite if provoked
Spiders Fascinating to observe, variety Bites can be venomous, harder to handle
Ticks Not typically kept as pets Can carry diseases, parasitic

In conclusion, Bess beetles (Horned Passalus) can make interesting and low-maintenance pets. Ensuring a proper habitat and being aware of potential health risks can make them a unique addition to your home.

 

Bess Beetle

 

Notable Bess Beetle Species

Horned Passalus

  • Odontotaenius disjunctus
  • Commonly found in decaying wood

The Horned Passalus is a species of beetle within the Bess beetle family, Passalidae. Its scientific name is Odontotaenius disjunctus. They can be found in decaying wood habitats, such as rotten logs and stumps in deciduous woodlands. Biting is unlikely as they are primarily detritivores, feeding on decaying wood.

Patent Leather Beetle

  • Odontotaenius disjunctus
  • Also known as Betsy Beetle

The Patent Leather Beetle is another name for the Horned Passalus. This beetle is also referred to as Betsy Beetle, Bessbug, Jerusalem Beetle, Horn Beetle, and Peg Beetle. These beetles are characterized by their shiny black color and small “horn” on top of the head.

Comparison:

Feature Horned Passalus Patent Leather Beetle
Scientific Name Odontotaenius disjunctus Odontotaenius disjunctus
Common Names Horned Passalus, Bess Beetle Patent Leather Beetle, Betsy Beetle, Bessbug, Jerusalem Beetle, Horn Beetle, Peg Beetle
Habitat Decaying wood Decaying wood
Mouthparts Chewing Chewing
Role in Ecosystem Detritivore (feeds on decaying wood) Detritivore (feeds on decaying wood)

Though these beetles share many similarities with scarab beetles, stag beetles, and rhinoceros beetles, they are unique in having a small horn and living in decaying wood habitats.

They use their chewing mouthparts to feed on decaying wood and ward off intruders. However, biting humans is uncommon and not a significant concern.

Conclusion

Bess beetles are integral to forest ecosystems, aiding in the decomposition of rotting wood. Despite their intimidating size, they pose no threat to humans or pets.

These beetles are characterized by their shiny black exoskeleton, a unique horn on their head, and robust mandibles.

They exhibit social behaviors, living in colonies and nurturing their larvae.

One of their most intriguing features is their ability to produce squeaking sounds, known as stridulation, used for communication.

Native to the eastern U.S., they prefer hardwood logs in deciduous woodlands, emphasizing their ecological importance.

Footnotes

  1. https://uwm.edu/field-station/horned-passalus-beetle/

 

Bess Beetle

Bess Beetle
Bess Beetle

Bess Beetle

Authors

  • Bugman

    Bugman aka Daniel Marlos has been identifying bugs since 1999. whatsthatbug.com is his passion project and it has helped millions of readers identify the bug that has been bugging them for over two decades. You can reach out to him through our Contact Page.

    View all posts
  • Piyushi is a nature lover, blogger and traveler at heart. She lives in beautiful Canada with her family. Piyushi is an animal lover and loves to write about all creatures.

    View all posts
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