Ruby-Legged Dung Beetle vs African Armyworm

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Ruby-Legged Dung Beetle African Armyworm
Scientific Name Onthophagus medius Spodoptera exempta
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Noctuidae
Size 6-10 mm 28-35 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Dung Feeders Omnivores
Regions Africa, South Asia Sub-Saharan Africa, Middle East, Southeast Asia, Oceania
Conservation Least Concern Not Evaluated

Ruby-Legged Dung Beetle

A small, dark bronze tunneling dung beetle with reddish-brown legs found in parts of Africa and Asia. Males have a pair of short horns. It is commonly found in cattle pastures and plays a role in parasite control.

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Did You Know?

By burying dung, this beetle reduces habitat for parasitic flies that affect livestock health.

African Armyworm

A migratory pest moth whose caterpillars march in vast armies across cereal crops and grasslands in Africa. Outbreaks follow heavy rains and can destroy pastures and grain fields.

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Did You Know?

A single outbreak swarm can contain millions of caterpillars marching together across fields like an army.