Autumn Aphodius vs Large Blue

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Autumn Aphodius Large Blue
Scientific Name Aphodius autumnalis Phengaris arion
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Lycaenidae
Size 4-6 mm 38-52 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Dung Feeders Omnivores
Regions Europe Europe, temperate Asia
Conservation Least Concern Near Threatened

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.

💡

Did You Know?

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

Large Blue

A blue butterfly with distinctive black spots that has one of the most complex life cycles in the insect world. It was declared extinct in Britain in 1979 but has been successfully reintroduced.

💡

Did You Know?

Caterpillars trick ants into carrying them into their nests, where they feed on ant larvae for ten months.