Eastern Forest Dung Beetle vs Tumblebug Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Eastern Forest Dung Beetle Tumblebug Beetle
Scientific Name Onthophagus hecate Canthon vigilans
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Scarabaeidae
Size 5-9 mm 8-14 mm
Habitat Woodlands Grasslands
Diet Dung Feeders Carrion Feeders
Regions Eastern North America North America
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.

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Did You Know?

This is the most commonly collected native dung beetle in eastern North American forests.

Tumblebug Beetle

A small dung beetle that buries carrion as well as dung for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most dung beetles it frequently uses dead invertebrates as larval food.