About Wide-Headed Dung Beetle
A small, greenish-bronze tunneling dung beetle from East Africa with a very wide head in major males. The broad head is used to block tunnel entrances against rivals. It is common in savanna grasslands.
Did You Know?
Minor males, which lack the wide head, instead dig sneaky side tunnels to bypass the guarding major male.
How to Identify Wide-Headed Dung Beetle
Wide-Headed Dung Beetle (Onthophagus nigriventris) belongs to the order Coleoptera, family Scarabaeidae. Adults typically measure 7-12 mm.
Wide-Headed Dung Beetle Habitat
Wide-Headed Dung Beetle is found in grasslands habitats, particularly across East Africa. This species has adapted to thrive in its preferred environment, where it can find suitable food sources and shelter.
Wide-Headed Dung Beetle Diet and Feeding
Wide-Headed 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 Wide-Headed Dung Beetle Found?
Wide-Headed Dung Beetle can be found in East Africa, where it inhabits grasslands environments. Its distribution is influenced by climate, food availability, and habitat suitability.
Distribution Map
Where Wide-Headed Dung Beetle can be found
Is Wide-Headed Dung Beetle Dangerous?
Wide-Headed 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.
Wide-Headed Dung Beetle Role in Nature
Wide-Headed 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 Wide-Headed Dung Beetle
What does Wide-Headed Dung Beetle look like?
The Wide-Headed Dung Beetle typically measures 7-12 mm.
Where is Wide-Headed Dung Beetle found?
The Wide-Headed Dung Beetle is found in East Africa and typically inhabits grasslands environments.
What does Wide-Headed Dung Beetle eat?
The Wide-Headed Dung Beetle feeds on animal dung.
Is Wide-Headed Dung Beetle dangerous to humans?
The Wide-Headed 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 Wide-Headed Dung Beetle?
Minor males, which lack the wide head, instead dig sneaky side tunnels to bypass the guarding major male.
Cite This Page
APA:
InsectDiscover. (2026). Wide-Headed Dung Beetle (Onthophagus nigriventris). Retrieved from https://insectdiscover.com/insect/wide-headed-dung-beetle
MLA:
"Wide-Headed Dung Beetle." InsectDiscover, https://insectdiscover.com/insect/wide-headed-dung-beetle.