Thistle Lace Bug vs Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Thistle Lace Bug Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Tingis cardui Scarabaeus sacer
Order Hemiptera Coleoptera
Family Tingidae Scarabaeidae
Size 3-4 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Herbivores Dung Feeders
Regions Europe Africa, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Thistle Lace Bug

A small, beautifully structured lace bug found on creeping thistle. Wings have an intricate latticed pattern. Causes yellowing and stippling of thistle leaves.

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Did You Know?

The extraordinary wing structure is so delicate and ornate that it inspired Victorian microscopists.

Dung Beetle

Sacred to ancient Egyptians who associated them with the sun god Ra. They roll balls of dung for food and breeding. Navigate using the Milky Way.

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Did You Know?

Dung beetles are the only known animals to navigate using the Milky Way — they use the band of light to roll their dung balls in a straight line.