Ivory-Spotted Dung Beetle vs Fleabane Tortoise Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ivory-Spotted Dung Beetle Fleabane Tortoise Beetle
Scientific Name Euoniticellus pallipes Cassida murraea
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Chrysomelidae
Size 5-8 mm 5-6 mm
Habitat Farmland Wetlands
Diet Dung Feeders Herbivores
Regions Africa, introduced to Australia Europe
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Ivory-Spotted Dung Beetle

A small, pale brown tunneling dung beetle with ivory-colored legs. Native to Africa, it has been introduced to several countries as a biological control agent. It is especially efficient in warm, dry climates.

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Did You Know?

This tiny beetle can compete with much larger species by arriving first and tunneling quickly beneath fresh dung.

Fleabane Tortoise Beetle

A striking red-brown and black tortoise beetle associated with fleabane plants. Has characteristic dark markings on the transparent shield margin. Found in damp habitats.

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Did You Know?

The larvae cover themselves with their own excrement and shed skins as a defensive shield.