Coppery Tunneler vs Fungus Rove Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Coppery Tunneler | Fungus Rove Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onthophagus ferox | Lordithon thoracicus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Staphylinidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 5-7 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Woodlands |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Predators |
| Regions | Africa, introduced to Australia | Europe, Northern Asia |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Coppery Tunneler
A small, coppery-brown tunneling dung beetle native to Africa, now established in Australia. Males have a pair of backward-curving horns. It is active during summer and autumn and is an efficient processor of cattle dung.
Did You Know?
Introduced to Australia in the 1970s, it has become one of the most abundant dung beetles in subtropical Queensland.
Fungus Rove Beetle
A colorful rove beetle of the Tachyporinae with a reddish-orange pronotum and dark elytra, typically found on bracket fungi. It preys on fly larvae developing in fungal fruiting bodies.
Did You Know?
The bright orange and black coloration may serve as warning coloration, as the beetle produces unpleasant-tasting defensive compounds.