πŸͺ² Beetles

Stag-Horned Dung Beetle

Onthophagus rangifer

About Stag-Horned Dung Beetle

A small, dark brown tunneling dung beetle with spectacularly branched antler-like horns in major males. The branching horns resemble reindeer antlers. It inhabits forest habitats where it tunnels beneath monkey and civet dung.

πŸ’‘

Did You Know?

The branching horns of this beetle are some of the most complex found in any insect species.

How to Identify Stag-Horned Dung Beetle

Stag-Horned Dung Beetle (Onthophagus rangifer) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 7-12 mm.

Stag-Horned Dung Beetle Habitat

Stag-Horned Dung Beetle is found in forests habitats, particularly across Southeast Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Stag-Horned Dung Beetle Diet and Feeding

Stag-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 Stag-Horned Dung Beetle Found?

Stag-Horned Dung Beetle can be found in Southeast Asia, where it inhabits forests environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Stag-Horned Dung Beetle can be found

Is Stag-Horned Dung Beetle Dangerous?

Stag-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.

Stag-Horned Dung Beetle Role in Nature

Stag-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

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Stag-Horned Dung Beetle

What does Stag-Horned Dung Beetle look like?

The Stag-Horned Dung Beetle typically measures 7-12 mm.

Where is Stag-Horned Dung Beetle found?

The Stag-Horned Dung Beetle is found in Southeast Asia and typically inhabits forests environments.

What does Stag-Horned Dung Beetle eat?

The Stag-Horned Dung Beetle feeds on animal dung.

Is Stag-Horned Dung Beetle dangerous to humans?

The Stag-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 Stag-Horned Dung Beetle?

The branching horns of this beetle are some of the most complex found in any insect species.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Stag-Horned Dung Beetle (Onthophagus rangifer). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/stag-horned-dung-beetle

MLA:
"Stag-Horned Dung Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/stag-horned-dung-beetle.