Giant Dung Beetle vs Five-Horned Rhinoceros Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Dung Beetle Five-Horned Rhinoceros Beetle
Scientific Name Helictopleurus giganteus Eupatorus gracilicornis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Dynastidae
Size 20-30 mm 50-80 mm
Habitat Mountains Mountains
Diet Dung Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Madagascar Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Myanmar
Conservation Data Deficient Not Evaluated

Giant Dung Beetle

The largest member of the endemic Helictopleurus genus, with a robust body and prominent cephalic horns in males. Its dark brown to black exoskeleton is heavily sculptured with ridges and punctures.

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Did You Know?

Unlike African dung beetles that rely on large mammal dung, this species evolved to specialize on lemur droppings found on the forest floor.

Five-Horned Rhinoceros Beetle

A striking rhinoceros beetle with four thoracic horns and one cephalic horn. Its velvety black and golden-brown coloring makes it unmistakable.

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Did You Know?

Despite having five horns, only the single head horn is used in combat with rival males.