πŸͺ² Beetles

Fluted-horn Dung Beetle

Copris elphenor

About Fluted-horn Dung Beetle

A large black dung beetle with a prominent curved horn on the male's head. It buries dung balls underground to provision its brood.

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Did You Know?

A single pair can bury a dung ball weighing over 200 times their own body weight in one night.

How to Identify Fluted-horn Dung Beetle

Fluted-horn Dung Beetle (Copris elphenor) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 20-35 mm.

Fluted-horn Dung Beetle Habitat

Fluted-horn Dung Beetle is found in grasslands habitats, particularly across East Africa, Southern Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Fluted-horn Dung Beetle Diet and Feeding

Fluted-horn 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 Fluted-horn Dung Beetle Found?

Fluted-horn Dung Beetle can be found in East Africa, Southern Africa, where it inhabits grasslands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Fluted-horn Dung Beetle can be found

Is Fluted-horn Dung Beetle Dangerous?

Fluted-horn 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.

Fluted-horn Dung Beetle Role in Nature

Fluted-horn 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

Jan
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Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Fluted-horn Dung Beetle

What does Fluted-horn Dung Beetle look like?

The Fluted-horn Dung Beetle typically measures 20-35 mm.

Where is Fluted-horn Dung Beetle found?

The Fluted-horn Dung Beetle is found in East Africa, Southern Africa and typically inhabits grasslands environments.

What does Fluted-horn Dung Beetle eat?

The Fluted-horn Dung Beetle feeds on animal dung.

Is Fluted-horn Dung Beetle dangerous to humans?

The Fluted-horn 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 Fluted-horn Dung Beetle?

A single pair can bury a dung ball weighing over 200 times their own body weight in one night.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Fluted-horn Dung Beetle (Copris elphenor). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/fluted-horn-dung-beetle

MLA:
"Fluted-horn Dung Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/fluted-horn-dung-beetle.