Tumblebug Beetle vs Elephant Louse

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Tumblebug Beetle Elephant Louse
Scientific Name Canthon vigilans Haematomyzus elephantis
Order Coleoptera Phthiraptera
Family Scarabaeidae Haematomyzidae
Size 8-14 mm 2-3 mm
Habitat Grasslands Grasslands
Diet Carrion Feeders Blood Feeders
Regions North America Asia, Africa
Conservation Least Concern Vulnerable

Tumblebug Beetle

A small dung beetle that buries carrion as well as dung for its larvae.

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Did You Know?

Unlike most dung beetles it frequently uses dead invertebrates as larval food.

Elephant Louse

A highly specialized louse found only on elephants, with piercing mouthparts adapted to penetrate the thick pachyderm skin. It is the sole member of its family.

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Did You Know?

The elephant louse is so specialized that it represents an entire family of its own, having co-evolved with elephants for millions of years.