Pecuarius Onitis vs Elm Bark Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Pecuarius Onitis Elm Bark Beetle
Scientific Name Onitis pecuarius Scolytus multistriatus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Curculionidae (Scolytinae)
Size 12-20 mm 2–3.5 mm
Habitat Farmland Woodlands
Diet Dung Feeders Wood Feeders
Regions Southern Africa, introduced to Australia Europe, North America
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Pecuarius Onitis

A medium-sized, dark brown to black tunneling dung beetle with strong forelegs. It is a nocturnal species that constructs deep burrows. Successfully introduced to Australia from southern Africa as a dung management agent.

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Did You Know?

In Australia, this beetle became most active during winter months, filling an important seasonal gap in dung burial activity.

Elm Bark Beetle

A small bark beetle that is the primary vector of Dutch elm disease in North America. It creates distinctive brood galleries under elm bark.

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Did You Know?

It spreads the fungus Ophiostoma novo-ulmi, which has wiped out millions of elm trees worldwide.