African Dung Beetle vs Splendid Ochre

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute African Dung Beetle Splendid Ochre
Scientific Name Scarabaeus rugosus Trapezites petalia
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Hesperiidae
Size 15-22 mm 3-4 cm wingspan
Habitat Heathland Heathland
Diet Dung Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southern Africa Australia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

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.

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Did You Know?

On hot sand, this beetle will perform a stilting behavior, standing on tiptoe to reduce contact with the burning surface.

Splendid Ochre

A moderately large skipper butterfly with bright orange uppersides and mottled brown undersides. Males perch conspicuously on low vegetation to defend territories.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the largest skipper butterflies in Australia.