Autumn Aphodius vs Benderman's Cave Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Autumn Aphodius Benderman's Cave Beetle
Scientific Name Aphodius autumnalis Pseudanophthalmus bendermani
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Carabidae
Size 4-6 mm 4-5 mm
Habitat Grasslands Caves
Diet Dung Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe United States
Conservation Least Concern Endangered

Autumn Aphodius

A small, dark reddish-brown dweller dung beetle that is most active in autumn. It has a shiny, rounded body with finely punctured elytra. Found predominantly in grasslands grazed by sheep and cattle.

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Did You Know?

The seasonal peak of this species in autumn coincides with declining temperatures that reduce competition from summer-active species.

Benderman's Cave Beetle

A tiny blind ground beetle restricted to a single cave system in Virginia. It is federally listed as endangered in the United States.

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Did You Know?

It is known from only one cave in the entire world.