Coppery Tunneler vs Simplon Beetle
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Coppery Tunneler | Simplon Beetle |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onthophagus ferox | Nebria cordicollis |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Carabidae |
| Size | 6-10 mm | 9-12 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Mountains |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Omnivores |
| Regions | Africa, introduced to Australia | Western Alps, Switzerland, Italy |
| 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.
Simplon Beetle
A heart-shaped-thorax ground beetle native to high passes in the western Alps. It inhabits cold, exposed rocky habitats.
Did You Know?
Named for the distinctive heart shape of its pronotum.