Fungicola Dung Beetle vs Sooty Ringlet

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Fungicola Dung Beetle Sooty Ringlet
Scientific Name Helictopleurus fungicola Erebia pluto
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Nymphalidae
Size 8-14 mm 36-44 mm wingspan
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Dung Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Madagascar Alps
Conservation Data Deficient Least Concern

Fungicola Dung Beetle

A small dung beetle with an extraordinary pair of cephalic horns in males, revealed through genomic and morphological study. Its dark body bears fine punctation across the elytra.

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Did You Know?

Genome sequencing of this species group revealed surprisingly complex horn structures that had been overlooked for decades by morphologists.

Sooty Ringlet

One of the darkest European butterflies, almost entirely black. It inhabits the highest scree slopes and rock faces in the Alps.

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Did You Know?

Its nearly black wings help absorb solar radiation for warmth in its frigid habitat.