Cockchafer vs Giant Dung Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Cockchafer | Giant Dung Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Melolontha melolontha | Helictopleurus giganteus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 25-30 mm | 20-30 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Mountains |
| Diet | Root Feeders | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Western Europe, Central Europe, Northern Europe | Madagascar |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Data Deficient |
Cockchafer
A large, clumsy-flying chafer beetle that emerges en masse on warm May evenings. Its white C-shaped larvae are familiar agricultural pests across Europe.
Did You Know?
In medieval Europe, cockchafer swarms were so destructive that they were once put on trial in court.
Giant Dung Beetle
The largest member of the endemic Helictopleurus genus, with a robust body and prominent cephalic horns in males. Its dark brown to black exoskeleton is heavily sculptured with ridges and punctures.
Did You Know?
Unlike African dung beetles that rely on large mammal dung, this species evolved to specialize on lemur droppings found on the forest floor.