Ox beetle thrive

Ever since I started gardening, loads of unfamiliar friendlies have shown up. Ox beetle, the largest in the United States, feed on decaying wood, accelerating decomposition and aerating soil. Males have distinctive horns that make them resemble a triceratops.

The adult beetles burrow deep into soil, pushing out mounds of dirt as they back out like a miniature tractor. I spent about an hour staking out 4 burrows in the garden before one of the beetles poked out far enough for me to dig it up. Here's the entrance to it's burrow, nicely compacted with repeated use.

The beetles are startlingly strong and, much to my surprise, they can fly. They make a low, pulsating hum as their enormous amber wings carry their heft awkwardly through the air.

Ox beetles are prolific, living in virtually every patch of ground I dig in and each of my 6 composting areas. The grubs are enormous and my chickens love them. More about Ox beetle at Texas A&M http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/galveston/beneficials/beneficial-44_ox_or_elephant_beetle.htm.