Eastern Forest Dung Beetle vs Great Purple Hairstreak
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Eastern Forest Dung Beetle | Great Purple Hairstreak |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onthophagus hecate | Atlides halesus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Lepidoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Lycaenidae |
| Size | 5-9 mm | 32-50 mm wingspan |
| Habitat | Woodlands | Woodlands |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Nectar Feeders |
| Regions | Eastern North America | Southern United States from California to the Atlantic coast |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Eastern Forest Dung Beetle
A small, dark brown to black tunneling dung beetle common in eastern North American forests. Males have a short median horn. It is the most frequently encountered native dung beetle in woodland habitats of the eastern United States.
Did You Know?
This is the most commonly collected native dung beetle in eastern North American forests.
Great Purple Hairstreak
The largest hairstreak in North America with brilliant iridescent blue upperside wings and a bright red-orange abdomen. Its underside is dark with metallic blue and red spots near the tails.
Did You Know?
Its caterpillars feed only on mistletoe, and females seek out this parasitic plant high in oak canopies to lay their eggs.