Geotrupidae

Definition

A family of scarabaeoid beetles (Coleoptera) commonly called earth-boring dung beetles or dor beetles. Adults excavate deep burrows—often exceeding two meters in depth—in which they provision nests with leaf litter or, less commonly, dung. Larvae develop within these buried provisions, feeding on the accumulated organic material. The family comprises two currently recognized subfamilies (Geotrupinae and Taurocerastinae) and is distinguished from the true dung beetles (Scarabaeidae) by their primarily detritivorous habits and burrowing behavior.

Etymology

From the type genus Geotrupes (Greek geo- 'earth' + trupes 'borer') + -idae (family suffix)

Example

The European dor beetle Geotrupes stercorarius, a member of Geotrupidae, constructs vertical burrows up to 1.5 m deep in forest soils, provisioning them with leaf litter rather than dung.

Synonyms

• earth-boring dung beetles (common name)
• dor beetles (common name)

Related Terms

• Scarabaeoidea
• Scarabaeidae
• Geotrupes
• Detritivore
• Coprophagy
• burrow
• Coleoptera

Usage Notes

Distinguished from Scarabaeidae (true dung beetles) by their primarily detritivorous rather than coprophagous diet, though some species do utilize dung. Formerly included Bolboceratinae, now elevated to family rank as Bolboceratidae. The common name 'dor beetle' refers to the buzzing flight sound of some species.