Sagittarius Dung Beetle vs Banded Fruit Weevil
Side-by-side species comparison
| Attribute | Sagittarius Dung Beetle | Banded Fruit Weevil |
|---|---|---|
| Scientific Name | Onthophagus sagittarius | Phlyctinus callosus |
| Order | Coleoptera | Coleoptera |
| Family | Scarabaeidae | Curculionidae |
| Size | 8-14 mm | 7-10 mm |
| Habitat | Farmland | Farmland |
| Diet | Dung Feeders | Fruit Feeders |
| Regions | Southeast Asia, introduced to Australia | South Africa (Western Cape) |
| Conservation | Least Concern | Least Concern |
Sagittarius Dung Beetle
A medium-sized dark brown tunneler with a distinctive arrow-shaped projection on the male head. It was introduced to Australia from Asia to assist with cattle dung burial. A very efficient tunneler in tropical conditions.
Did You Know?
This species was deliberately released in northern Australia in 1982 and has since spread across tropical Queensland.
Banded Fruit Weevil
A small greyish-brown weevil with pale transverse bands on the elytra. It is a significant pest of fruit crops and grapevines in the Cape.
Did You Know?
Adults are nocturnal feeders that hide in soil cracks during the day, making them difficult to control.