Predatory Dung Beetle vs Red-Shouldered Aphodius
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Predatory Dung Beetle | Red-Shouldered Aphodius |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Deltochilum valgum | Aphodius rufipes |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Scarabaeidae |
| Size | 15-22 mm | 10-13 mm |
| Habitat | Forests | Farmland |
| Diet | Predators | Dung Feeders |
| Regions | South America | Europe |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Predatory Dung Beetle
An unusual roller dung beetle that has evolved predatory behavior, actively hunting and killing millipedes. It is dark brown to black with a flattened body shape. The species represents a remarkable dietary shift within dung beetles.
Did You Know?
This is one of the only known predatory dung beetles, using its clypeus to decapitate millipedes before rolling the carcass away.
Red-Shouldered Aphodius
A medium-sized dweller dung beetle that is entirely black except for reddish-brown leg joints. It is strongly attracted to lights at night and is one of the larger European Aphodius species. Larvae develop inside cattle dung.
Did You Know?
On warm summer nights, large numbers can be seen flying to artificial lights near cattle pastures.