Sinuate-horned Dung Beetle vs Fiery Skipper

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Sinuate-horned Dung Beetle Fiery Skipper
Scientific Name Helictopleurus sinuatocornis Hylephila phyleus
Order Coleoptera Lepidoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Hesperiidae
Size 12-17 mm 25-34 mm wingspan
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Dung Feeders Nectar Feeders
Regions Madagascar Southern United States, migrating northward in summer
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Sinuate-horned Dung Beetle

A medium-sized dung beetle named for the sinuate or wavy shape of the male's cephalic horn. Its body is dark brown with a strongly convex pronotum.

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Did You Know?

Males with the most elaborately curved horns tend to win fights over dung balls, gaining access to mates.

Fiery Skipper

A small bright orange skipper with short antennae and a fast darting flight. Males have a prominent black stigma on the forewing.

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Did You Know?

It is one of the most common skippers found in American suburban lawns and is a minor turf grass pest.