Turnip Moth vs Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Turnip Moth Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Agrotis segetum Scarabaeus sacer
Order Lepidoptera Coleoptera
Family Noctuidae Scarabaeidae
Size 35-45 mm wingspan 20-30 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Root Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Europe, Africa, Asia Africa, Europe, Asia
Conservation Not Evaluated Least Concern

Turnip Moth

A drab brown moth whose fat cutworm larvae sever the stems and roots of root vegetables and seedlings. It is one of the most widespread cutworm pests in the Old World.

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Did You Know?

Larvae can survive extended periods of drought by burrowing deep into the soil and entering a dormant state.

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.