Classification Status . Taxonomy of the species in the United States, Mexico and Central America is well known, although new species are still being found. Taxonomy of passalids in other regions of the world needs further study. There are over 500 described species, nearly all of which are tropical. It is very similar to P. punctiger.
Passalid adults live in well decayed logs and stumps with their larvae and subsocial family groups.
All stages are found in galleries in wood that are excavated by the adults. Adults and larvae communicate by stridulating and can produce 14 different calls. Adults care for larvae and prepare food by chewing it and presumably mixing it with saliva. Cranium lightly sclerotized. Antennae 2-segmented with protruding fleshy base, short.