False Blister Beetle vs African Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute False Blister Beetle African Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Ischnomera cyanea Scarabaeus rugosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Oedemeridae Scarabaeidae
Size 8-12 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Beaches & Coastal Heathland
Diet Wood Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Europe Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

False Blister Beetle

A metallic blue beetle that develops inside rotting wood near coastal areas.

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Did You Know?

Unlike true blister beetles it does not produce cantharidin.

African Dung Beetle

A medium-sized, roughly textured black roller beetle found in southern African sandy habitats. It has prominent teeth on the clypeus and strong forelegs. Active during daylight hours, rolling dung on sand.

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Did You Know?

On hot sand, this beetle will perform a stilting behavior, standing on tiptoe to reduce contact with the burning surface.