July 23, 2025

A Horned Passalus (Odontotaenius disjunctus) also known as the Patent-leather Beetle is a beetle that will grow to between 1.2″ and 1.7″. They’re most often found in rotting logs and stumps where they will eat the decaying wood. They seem to prefer oak and hickory.

They’re capable of flying but it appears they would rather walk than fly. I was fortunate to see this creature roaming about and not inside a tree or stump, since they are seldom seen like this. That is, unless they are seeking a mate or looking for another tree to help remove from the environment.

 _______________________

If you would like to receive my daily blog posts by email, sign up here!