πŸͺ² Beetles

Vacca Dung Beetle

Onthophagus vacca

About Vacca Dung Beetle

A small coppery-green to bronze tunneler with a broad head and short horns in males. It is a common pasture dung beetle across Europe. The metallic sheen distinguishes it from many congeners.

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Did You Know?

Males with longer horns guard tunnel entrances while hornless males sneak through side tunnels to mate.

How to Identify Vacca Dung Beetle

Vacca Dung Beetle (Onthophagus vacca) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 6-12 mm.

Vacca Dung Beetle Habitat

Vacca Dung Beetle is found in grasslands habitats, particularly across Europe, Western Asia. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.

Vacca Dung Beetle Diet and Feeding

Vacca 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 Vacca Dung Beetle Found?

Vacca Dung Beetle can be found in Europe, Western Asia, where it inhabits grasslands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.

Distribution Map

Where Vacca Dung Beetle can be found

Is Vacca Dung Beetle Dangerous?

Vacca 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.

Vacca Dung Beetle Role in Nature

Vacca 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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Peak activity Moderate Low / dormant

Frequently Asked Questions About Vacca Dung Beetle

What does Vacca Dung Beetle look like?

The Vacca Dung Beetle typically measures 6-12 mm.

Where is Vacca Dung Beetle found?

The Vacca Dung Beetle is found in Europe, Western Asia and typically inhabits grasslands environments.

What does Vacca Dung Beetle eat?

The Vacca Dung Beetle feeds on animal dung.

Is Vacca Dung Beetle dangerous to humans?

The Vacca 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 Vacca Dung Beetle?

Males with longer horns guard tunnel entrances while hornless males sneak through side tunnels to mate.

Cite This Page

APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Vacca Dung Beetle (Onthophagus vacca). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/vacca-dung-beetle

MLA:
"Vacca Dung Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/vacca-dung-beetle.