Flightless Dung Beetle vs Noon Fly

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Flightless Dung Beetle Noon Fly
Scientific Name Circellium bacchus Mesembrina meridiana
Order Coleoptera Diptera
Family Scarabaeidae Muscidae
Size 35-47 mm 10-13mm
Habitat Hedgerows Farmland
Diet Dung Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions South Africa Europe
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Flightless Dung Beetle

The largest flightless dung beetle in the world, endemic to South Africa. It is now restricted to a few remaining habitat patches in the Eastern Cape.

💡

Did You Know?

It is the only species in its genus and relies entirely on walking to find dung.

Noon Fly

A large stocky black fly with bright orange wing bases. It basks in sunshine on walls and fences at midday.

💡

Did You Know?

Named for its habit of basking in the midday sun, often sitting motionless on warm surfaces around noon.