About Flat-Horned Dung Beetle
A small, dark tunneling dung beetle with laterally flattened horns in major males. Found in tropical Africa, it is a rapid responder to fresh dung. Females construct multiple brood balls in underground chambers.
Did You Know?
This species was among those exported to Australia as part of the CSIRO Dung Beetle Project.
How to Identify Flat-Horned Dung Beetle
Flat-Horned Dung Beetle (Onthophagus planicornis) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 7-12 mm.
Flat-Horned Dung Beetle Habitat
Flat-Horned Dung Beetle is found in ponds & lakes habitats, particularly across Sub-Saharan Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Flat-Horned Dung Beetle Diet and Feeding
Flat-Horned 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-Horned Dung Beetle Found?
Flat-Horned Dung Beetle can be found in Sub-Saharan Africa, where it inhabits ponds & lakes environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Flat-Horned Dung Beetle can be found
Is Flat-Horned Dung Beetle Dangerous?
Flat-Horned 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-Horned Dung Beetle Role in Nature
Flat-Horned 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-Horned Dung Beetle
What does Flat-Horned Dung Beetle look like?
The Flat-Horned Dung Beetle typically measures 7-12 mm.
Where is Flat-Horned Dung Beetle found?
The Flat-Horned Dung Beetle is found in Sub-Saharan Africa and typically inhabits ponds & lakes environments.
What does Flat-Horned Dung Beetle eat?
The Flat-Horned Dung Beetle feeds on animal dung.
Is Flat-Horned Dung Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Flat-Horned 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-Horned Dung Beetle?
This species was among those exported to Australia as part of the CSIRO Dung Beetle Project.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Flat-Horned Dung Beetle (Onthophagus planicornis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/flat-horned-dung-beetle
MLA:
"Flat-Horned Dung Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/flat-horned-dung-beetle.