Silky Chlaenius vs Stag-Horned Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Silky Chlaenius Stag-Horned Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Chlaenius vestitus Onthophagus rangifer
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Carabidae Scarabaeidae
Size 12-16 mm 7-12 mm
Habitat Ponds & Lakes Forests
Diet Predators Dung Feeders
Regions Eastern North America Southeast Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Silky Chlaenius

A medium-sized ground beetle covered in fine silky pubescence giving it a velvety green appearance. It is commonly found near water and emits a strong defensive odor when handled.

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Did You Know?

When disturbed, it releases a pungent, leathery-smelling chemical from defensive glands that is so strong it can be detected from several feet away.

Stag-Horned Dung Beetle

A small, dark brown tunneling dung beetle with spectacularly branched antler-like horns in major males. The branching horns resemble reindeer antlers. It inhabits forest habitats where it tunnels beneath monkey and civet dung.

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Did You Know?

The branching horns of this beetle are some of the most complex found in any insect species.