Vanishing beetle horns have surprise function

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Horned beetles from the genus Onthophagus are found all over the world including the US. Credit: Allison Cooke Indiana University
Horned beetles from the genus Onthophagus are found all over the world, including the US. Credit: Allison Cooke, Indiana University

The function of horned beetles' wild protrusions has been a matter of some consternation for biologists. Digging seemed plausible; combat and mate selection, more likely. Even Charles Darwin once weighed in on the matter, suggesting -- one imagines with some frustration -- the horns were merely ornamental.


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