Flat Bark Beetle of Madeira vs African Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flat Bark Beetle of Madeira African Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Tarphius rufonodulosus Scarabaeus rugosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Zopheridae Scarabaeidae
Size 0.3-0.5 cm 15-22 mm
Habitat Forests Heathland
Diet Fungus Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Portugal Southern Africa
Conservation Critically Endangered Least Concern

Flat Bark Beetle of Madeira

A small flattened beetle endemic to the laurel forests of Madeira. It lives under the bark of dead Laurus and Ocotea trees.

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Did You Know?

Madeira's laurel forests are a UNESCO World Heritage Site and harbor dozens of unique beetle species.

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.