About Flat-Headed Dung Beetle
A medium-sized shiny black roller dung beetle with a distinctively flat clypeal margin. It is highly active during the day and rolls dung balls rapidly across open terrain. Common in tropical Asian habitats near cattle.
Did You Know?
When the ground becomes too hot, this beetle climbs on top of its dung ball to cool its feet before continuing to roll.
How to Identify Flat-Headed Dung Beetle
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle (Paragymnopleurus maurus) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 12-18 mm.
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle Habitat
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle is found in farmland habitats, particularly across South Asia, Southeast Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle Diet and Feeding
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle feeds on animal dung. Dung-feeding insects provide vital ecosystem services by breaking down and burying waste, improving soil fertility and reducing parasite transmission.
Where Is Flat-Headed Dung Beetle Found?
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle can be found in South Asia, Southeast Asia, where it inhabits farmland environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Flat-Headed Dung Beetle can be found
Is Flat-Headed Dung Beetle Dangerous?
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk. Like most insects, it prefers to avoid human contact and will typically flee rather than confront a perceived threat.
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle Role in Nature
Flat-Headed Dung Beetle plays a vital role in decomposition and nutrient recycling. By breaking down dead organic matter, it helps return nutrients to the soil, supporting plant growth and maintaining ecosystem health.
Seasonal Activity
Frequently Asked Questions About Flat-Headed Dung Beetle
What does Flat-Headed Dung Beetle look like?
The Flat-Headed Dung Beetle typically measures 12-18 mm.
Where is Flat-Headed Dung Beetle found?
The Flat-Headed Dung Beetle is found in South Asia, Southeast Asia and typically inhabits farmland environments.
What does Flat-Headed Dung Beetle eat?
The Flat-Headed Dung Beetle feeds on animal dung.
Is Flat-Headed Dung Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Flat-Headed Dung Beetle is generally harmless to humans. It does not bite or sting and poses no significant health risk.
What is an interesting fact about Flat-Headed Dung Beetle?
When the ground becomes too hot, this beetle climbs on top of its dung ball to cool its feet before continuing to roll.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Flat-Headed Dung Beetle (Paragymnopleurus maurus). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/flat-headed-dung-beetle
MLA:
"Flat-Headed Dung Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/flat-headed-dung-beetle.