Tips for Identifying Common Dung Beetle Species

Dung beetles are fascinating insects that play a vital role in our ecosystems. By feeding on and recycling animal feces, they help maintain soil health, reduce parasites, and promote nutrient cycling. With over 7,000 species worldwide, dung beetles exhibit a wide variety of shapes, sizes, and behaviors. For entomologists, nature enthusiasts, or anyone curious about these remarkable insects, learning how to identify common dung beetle species can be both rewarding and educational.

In this article, we will explore practical tips and techniques to help you identify common dung beetle species. We’ll cover their physical characteristics, behavior patterns, habitat preferences, and offer guidance on capturing and observing them safely.

Understanding Dung Beetles: An Overview

Before diving into species identification, it’s important to understand the general characteristics of dung beetles:

Family: Scarabaeidae (subfamily Scarabaeinae)
Size: Typically ranges from 5 mm to 30 mm
Shape: Robust, oval or round body; hard exoskeleton

Color: Varies widely—metallic greens, blues, blacks, browns
Legs: Strong legs with spines adapted for digging and rolling dung balls
Behavior: Rollers roll dung balls away; tunnelers bury dung beneath; dwellers live inside feces

Key Physical Features to Examine

When identifying dung beetles, focus on these morphological traits:

1. Body Size and Shape

Dung beetles vary in size from tiny 5 mm species to large ones exceeding 30 mm. The shape is generally convex and compact but differs among genera:

Rollers (Genus Scarabaeus): Often have a more rounded body

Tunnelers (Genus Onthophagus): Usually slightly flatter with prominent horns or bumps
Dwellers (Genus Aphodius): Smaller and more streamlined

Measuring the beetle or comparing it to known size ranges can narrow down possibilities.

2. Coloration and Surface Texture

Color can be a useful identification clue but varies with lighting and age:

Shiny metallic greens or blues are characteristic of some Copris species.
Matte black or brown shades are common among Onthophagus.

Some species have distinctive patterns or spots.

Also observe surface texture — is the exoskeleton smooth, punctuated with pits (punctate), or ridged?

3. Head and Pronotum Features

Examine the head for horns or protrusions:

Many male dung beetles have pronounced horns used for fighting.
The shape and position of these horns differ by species.
The pronotum (the plate behind the head) might have ridges or bumps.

For example, Onthophagus taurus males have a curved horn on their heads while females don’t.

4. Leg Adaptations

Dung beetles’ legs are specialized for digging or rolling:

Forelegs often have broad spines or teeth useful for scooping dung.

Length and robustness of legs can vary.

Some species’ hind legs are longer to aid rolling behavior.

Behavioral Patterns as Identification Aids

Observing how a dung beetle behaves can help distinguish similar-looking species.

1. Dung Handling Strategy

Dung beetles use three main strategies:

Rollers: Shape dung into balls and roll it away.
Tunnelers: Dig tunnels underneath dung pats to bury it.

Dwellers: Live inside the dung without moving it much.

Watching whether the beetle is rolling a ball across open ground or tunneling beneath the dung provides valuable clues.

2. Activity Time

Some species are diurnal (active during day), others nocturnal:

Scarabaeus sacer is primarily daytime active.
Many Onthophagus species show crepuscular or nocturnal habits.

Noting the time when you see them can help pinpoint species likely active at that hour.

3. Flight Behavior

Some dung beetles fly quickly between dung pats; others tend to stay near one spot:

Quick flyers with strong wings often belong to genera like Scarabaeus or Copris.
Slower walkers may indicate smaller tunneling species.

Habitat Preferences

Dung beetle distribution depends heavily on habitat type:

1. Animal Host Association

Many species prefer specific types of animal dung (cow, horse, elephant):

Scarabaeus sacer often prefers herbivore dung in open fields.

Onthophagus gazella favors cattle dung in pastures.

Knowing local livestock can guide your search.

2. Environmental Conditions

Different species favor certain environments:

Grasslands and savannas tend to host large rollers like Scarabaeus.
Forested areas often harbor smaller tunnelers like Onthophagus.
Moisture levels also influence presence—some prefer drier soils.

Tools and Techniques for Identification

1. Field Guides and Identification Keys

Use regional insect field guides specific to Scarabaeidae to compare images and descriptions. Many guides include dichotomous keys based on physical traits.

Some recommended guides include:

Dung Beetles of the World by Scholtz & Chown

Regional keys published by universities or entomological societies

2. Photography

Take clear macro photographs from multiple angles—top-down, side view—to capture body shape, horn structures, coloration, leg spines.

Using a macro lens or smartphone macro attachments improves detail.

3. Collecting Specimens Safely

If permissible, capturing specimens with an insect net allows closer examination under magnification tools such as hand lenses or microscopes.

Always minimize disturbance and follow local regulations regarding wildlife handling.

4. Using Online Databases

Websites like iNaturalist allow uploading photos for community identification help. You can compare your findings with verified observations for confirmation.

Common Dung Beetle Species to Know

Here are several widespread species frequently encountered:

Scarabaeus sacer

Known as the “sacred scarab,” this roller has a nearly spherical body up to 20mm long with shiny black coloration. Males feature long curved horns on their heads used for moving large dung balls. Found in grasslands across Europe, North Africa.

Onthophagus taurus

A small tunneler about 8–12mm long with sexually dimorphic horns—males have distinct head horns; females lack them. Generally dull brown-black color. Common in pastures globally where livestock are present.

Copris lunaris

Medium-sized roller reaching 15–20mm length with metallic greenish-black coloration. Notable for its strong legs adapted for ball rolling. Found mostly in woodlands across Europe and Asia.

Aphodius rufipes

A small dweller species about 6–8mm long with reddish-brown coloration. Lives within fresh manure heaps rather than rolling or burying dung. Widespread in temperate regions worldwide.

Final Tips for Successful Identification

Observe multiple individuals if possible; some traits vary individually.

Use a combination of features—color alone is rarely sufficient.
Note habitat context, behavior, time of day along with morphology.
Practice patience—dung beetles can be elusive but rewarding subjects.

By focusing on these detailed physical traits alongside behavioral cues and habitat knowledge, you can confidently identify many common dung beetle species encountered in your region.

Dung beetles may seem humble but offer fascinating insights into biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. With careful observation and study using these tips, you’ll gain a deeper appreciation for their diversity—and perhaps contribute valuable information to citizen science efforts tracking insect populations worldwide. Happy exploring!