Broad-Horned Onitis vs Iron Cross Blister Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Broad-Horned Onitis | Iron Cross Blister Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onitis caffer | Tegrodera aloga |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Meloidae |
| Size | 16-26 mm | 15-25 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Deserts & Drylands |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Southern Africa | Southwestern United States, Mexico |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Not Evaluated |
Broad-Horned Onitis
A large, dark brown to black tunneler with massive forelegs in males. The prothorax is greatly enlarged. It digs deep vertical shafts beneath cattle dung and is primarily nocturnal. Males use their forelegs in combat.
Did You Know?
The enormous forelegs of the male serve double duty, used both for digging and for grappling with rival males.
Iron Cross Blister Beetle
A striking beetle with bright yellow and black cross-shaped markings on its elytra. It contains cantharidin, a potent blistering agent.
Did You Know?
Swarms occasionally emerge in massive numbers after favorable spring rains in the desert.