Digitonthophagus Dung Beetle vs Black Carrion Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Digitonthophagus Dung Beetle Black Carrion Beetle
Scientific Name Digitonthophagus gazella Necrodes littoralis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Silphidae
Size 7-14 mm 15-25 mm
Habitat Farmland Beaches & Coastal
Diet Dung Feeders Carrion Feeders
Regions Africa, introduced globally to tropical regions Europe, Central Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Digitonthophagus Dung Beetle

A small to medium, tan to brown tunneling dung beetle originally from Africa, now among the most widely distributed dung beetles globally. Males have two short conical horns. It is an extremely efficient cattle dung processor.

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Did You Know?

This species has been introduced to more countries than any other dung beetle and is now found on every inhabited continent.

Black Carrion Beetle

A large, dark carrion beetle with ridged elytra and a distinctive lumpy thorax. It is associated with larger carcasses where it breeds in masses.

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Did You Know?

Despite its name 'littoralis' meaning 'of the shore', it is found throughout inland areas as well as coasts.