Reticulated Beetle vs African Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Reticulated Beetle African Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Tenomerga cinerea Scarabaeus rugosus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Cupedidae Scarabaeidae
Size 10-14 mm 15-22 mm
Habitat Woodlands Heathland
Diet Wood Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions North America Southern Africa
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Reticulated Beetle

A living fossil from one of the most ancient beetle families still extant.

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Did You Know?

Its family dates back to the Triassic period over 230 million years ago.

African Dung Beetle

A medium-sized, roughly textured black roller beetle found in southern African sandy habitats. It has prominent teeth on the clypeus and strong forelegs. Active during daylight hours, rolling dung on sand.

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Did You Know?

On hot sand, this beetle will perform a stilting behavior, standing on tiptoe to reduce contact with the burning surface.