African Dung Beetle vs Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | African Dung Beetle | Lord Howe Island Stick Insect |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Scarabaeus rugosus | Dryococelus australis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Phasmatodea |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Phasmatidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 120-150 mm |
| Habitat | Heathland | Heathland |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Herbivores |
| Regions | Southern Africa | Oceania |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Critically Endangered |
African Dung Beetle
A medium-sized, roughly textured black roller beetle found in southern African sandy habitats. It has prominent teeth on the clypeus and strong forelegs. Active during daylight hours, rolling dung on sand.
Did You Know?
On hot sand, this beetle will perform a stilting behavior, standing on tiptoe to reduce contact with the burning surface.
Lord Howe Island Stick Insect
Once thought extinct after rats were introduced in 1918, a tiny population was rediscovered in 2001 on Balls Pyramid, a volcanic sea stack 23 km from Lord Howe Island.
Did You Know?
Fewer than 30 individuals were found clinging to a single bush on a barren sea stack — making this the rarest insect rediscovery in history. Captive breeding saved the species.