Sagittarius Dung Beetle vs Polydrusus Weevil

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sagittarius Dung Beetle Polydrusus Weevil
Scientific Name Onthophagus sagittarius Polydrusus sericeus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Curculionidae
Size 8-14 mm 5-8mm
Habitat Farmland Hedgerows
Diet Dung Feeders Herbivores
Regions Southeast Asia, introduced to Australia Europe
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.

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Did You Know?

This species was deliberately released in northern Australia in 1982 and has since spread across tropical Queensland.

Polydrusus Weevil

A small weevil covered in brilliant green scales that sparkle in sunlight. It is commonly found on birch and hazel trees.

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Did You Know?

The green coloring comes from tiny iridescent scales that rub off easily leaving the beetle looking dull brown underneath.