Passalid Beetle

Description:

Shining, black, somewhat flattened beetles, with prognathous head, sometimes horned, characteristically curved antennae, and narrow pedicel or waist between prothorax and elytra. Scutellum not visible; elytra conspicuously striate. This specimen was approx. 30-35mm in length (from memory).

Habitat:

Found on Tamborine Mountain, SEQ. Heavily wooded area, sub-tropical rainforest, lots of undergrowth (logs, leaves, branches, etc.) This one was found on a wooden pool deck, and there are many rotting posts along its fence. Also lots of leaf litter and rotting logs from native eucalypts. Other species of Pharochilus prefer drier habitats, whilst others go even further up mountains (like Lamington, for example).

Notes:

The identification of this beetle was done by the Queensland Museum. They sent a detailed response to my written request for correct ID. Also, the mite on the beetle in photograph #5 of this series is a member of the Fedrizziidae, a family found only on Passalid Beetles. NB: The Black Bess Beetle (Mastachilus sp.), even though of the same Family (Passalidae) as the Passalid Beetle, is slightly different in that it has a crease on the thorax, and also a small curves horn. Passalid doesn't.