Giant Ladybird vs Alpine Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Giant Ladybird Alpine Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Anatis ocellata Geotrupes alpinus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Coccinellidae Geotrupidae
Size 7-9 mm 12-18 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Omnivores Dung Feeders
Regions Europe, Northern Asia Alps, Pyrenees, Carpathians
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Giant Ladybird

The largest European ladybird, with orange elytra bearing black spots each encircled by a pale ring. It is a conifer specialist.

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Did You Know?

Its eyespot-ringed markings distinguish it from all other European ladybirds and may help startle predators.

Alpine Dung Beetle

A sturdy, dark dung beetle of high-altitude pastures grazed by livestock. It buries dung underground where its larvae develop.

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Did You Know?

A single pair can bury a dung ball several times their own body weight in one night.