The horned Passalus is common and widespread in the eastern U.S. We suspect it is also common in Fontenelle Forest but are not sure. This beetle occurs mostly in decaying logs, often in large numbers. All stages of its life live together in decomposing logs. Wood infested by these beetles is usually well decomposed and falls apart readily. They are usually seen during the day as they climb on logs.

These beetles are often called Bess beetles and sometimes patent leather beetles because of their shiny bodies.This beetle is considered beneficial because it decomposes dead wood. It is medically harmless. When disturbed, adults produce a squeaking sound by rubbing their wings on the abdomen. This is apparently used for communication between members of the colony. Some fourteen different sounds are known,more than many vertebrates. The adult beetles are often covered by mites (see photo C). Adults tend and feed larvae, preparing food with salivary secretions. Food consists of decaying plant matter. Some stag beetles are similar but they never have a horn and their antennae are elbowed. This beetle is one of a very few species of passalids which have developed the ability to withstand freezing temperatures accounting for its wide distribution.