Coffee Berry Borer vs Flat-Horned Dung Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Coffee Berry Borer | Flat-Horned Dung Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Hypothenemus hampei | Onthophagus planicornis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Curculionidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 1.5-2 mm | 7-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Ponds & Lakes |
| Diet | Omnivores | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | Central Africa (native), Pantropical (invasive) | Sub-Saharan Africa |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Coffee Berry Borer
A tiny, dark brown beetle that bores into coffee berries and is the most damaging pest of coffee worldwide. Females tunnel into the berry and lay eggs inside.
Did You Know?
It is one of the few animals that can detoxify caffeine, thanks to gut bacteria that break down the alkaloid.
Flat-Horned Dung Beetle
A small, dark tunneling dung beetle with laterally flattened horns in major males. Found in tropical Africa, it is a rapid responder to fresh dung. Females construct multiple brood balls in underground chambers.
Did You Know?
This species was among those exported to Australia as part of the CSIRO Dung Beetle Project.