Malagasy Scarab vs Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Scarab Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle
Scientific Name Scarabaeus radama Akis spinosa
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Tenebrionidae
Size 20-30 mm 18-25 mm
Habitat Grasslands Underground
Diet Dung Feeders Herbivores
Regions Madagascar Malta, Mediterranean Islands
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Malagasy Scarab

A robust dung-rolling scarab beetle named after the Malagasy king Radama. It has a broad, rounded body with a dark metallic sheen and strong, spatulate forelegs for shaping dung balls.

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Did You Know?

It was named after King Radama I of Madagascar, symbolizing the cultural and natural heritage of the island.

Maltese Freshwater Crab Spider Beetle

A spiny darkling beetle found on Malta and other Mediterranean islands. It has prominent ridges and spines along its elytra.

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Did You Know?

Its spiny armor and habit of playing dead make it unappealing to most predators.