Large Gold Chafer vs Flat-Horned Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Large Gold Chafer Flat-Horned Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Protaetia aeruginosa Onthophagus planicornis
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Scarabaeidae
Size 22-29 mm 7-12 mm
Habitat Woodlands Ponds & Lakes
Diet Sap Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Central and Eastern Europe Sub-Saharan Africa
Conservation Near Threatened Least Concern

Large Gold Chafer

A large, spectacular metallic golden-green beetle associated with ancient forests. Its larvae develop in hollows of old deciduous trees.

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Did You Know?

It is one of Europe's most impressive beetles and is strictly protected under EU wildlife legislation.

Flat-Horned Dung Beetle

A small, dark tunneling dung beetle with laterally flattened horns in major males. Found in tropical Africa, it is a rapid responder to fresh dung. Females construct multiple brood balls in underground chambers.

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Did You Know?

This species was among those exported to Australia as part of the CSIRO Dung Beetle Project.