About Two-Spotted Dung Beetle
A small, mottled brown and yellow tunneling dung beetle with two dark spots on the pronotum. Males have a single backward-pointing horn on the nape. It is one of the most common dung beetles in European pastures.
Did You Know?
This species was accidentally introduced to North America and is now one of the most common dung beetles on the continent.
How to Identify Two-Spotted Dung Beetle
Two-Spotted Dung Beetle (Onthophagus nuchicornis) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 6-9 mm.
Two-Spotted Dung Beetle Habitat
Two-Spotted Dung Beetle is found in grasslands habitats, particularly across Europe, Asia, introduced to North America. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Two-Spotted Dung Beetle Diet and Feeding
Two-Spotted 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 Two-Spotted Dung Beetle Found?
Two-Spotted Dung Beetle can be found in Europe, Asia, introduced to North America, where it inhabits grasslands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Two-Spotted Dung Beetle can be found
Is Two-Spotted Dung Beetle Dangerous?
Two-Spotted 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.
Two-Spotted Dung Beetle Role in Nature
Two-Spotted 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 Two-Spotted Dung Beetle
What does Two-Spotted Dung Beetle look like?
The Two-Spotted Dung Beetle typically measures 6-9 mm.
Where is Two-Spotted Dung Beetle found?
The Two-Spotted Dung Beetle is found in Europe, Asia, introduced to North America and typically inhabits grasslands environments.
What does Two-Spotted Dung Beetle eat?
The Two-Spotted Dung Beetle feeds on animal dung.
Is Two-Spotted Dung Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Two-Spotted 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 Two-Spotted Dung Beetle?
This species was accidentally introduced to North America and is now one of the most common dung beetles on the continent.
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APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Two-Spotted Dung Beetle (Onthophagus nuchicornis). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/two-spotted-dung-beetle
MLA:
"Two-Spotted Dung Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/two-spotted-dung-beetle.