Dung Beetle (Rainbow) vs Mexican Bean Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Dung Beetle (Rainbow) Mexican Bean Beetle
Scientific Name Phanaeus vindex Epilachna varivestis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Coccinellidae
Size 12-22 mm 6-8 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Dung Feeders Herbivores
Regions North America North America, Central America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Dung Beetle (Rainbow)

One of the most beautiful dung beetles with iridescent metallic copper, green, and blue coloring. Males have a prominent horn. Despite working with dung, they are stunningly beautiful.

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Did You Know?

Rainbow scarab beetles are living proof that working with dung does not mean looking dull — they are among the most brilliantly metallic and colorful of all beetles.

Mexican Bean Beetle

One of the few plant-feeding ladybird beetles, recognized by its copper color and eight black spots per wing cover. Both adults and larvae skeletonize bean leaves.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most ladybugs which are beneficial predators, the Mexican bean beetle is a destructive crop pest.