Neotropical Scarab Beetle vs Plantain Gall Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Neotropical Scarab Beetle Plantain Gall Weevil
Scientific Name Coprophanaeus lancifer Mecinus pyraster
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Curculionidae
Size 35-45 mm 3-4 mm
Habitat Forests Grasslands
Diet Dung Feeders Gall Makers
Regions Brazil, Peru, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana Europe
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Neotropical Scarab Beetle

The largest dung beetle in the Americas with a striking metallic blue-black body. Males bear a long curved horn on the head used in fights over resources.

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Did You Know?

Unlike typical dung beetles, this species strongly prefers carrion over dung and is often the first beetle to arrive at dead animals.

Plantain Gall Weevil

A small cylindrical weevil that causes stem galls on plantain. Larvae develop inside swollen plant stems. An inconspicuous but very common species.

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Did You Know?

Causes distinctive swellings on plantain stems that are easy to find even when the tiny weevil itself is not visible.