Geotrupes blackburnii excrementi

Distinguished from the sympatric Geotrupes splendidus by three primary characters: (1) smaller overall body size; (2) uniformly black coloration versus the green, yellow-green, or purple hues of G. splendidus; and (3) nearly impunctate pronotum versus the obviously punctured lateral pronotal areas of G. splendidus. The two species are frequently found in the same habitats and at the same times of year, making careful examination of these characters necessary for identification.

Dry-mesic to mesic upland forests, particularly oak-hickory and oak-pine woodlands. Frequently found on or near mammal dung on forest trails. Occurs in high-quality woodland habitats with sufficient mammal activity to provide dung resources.

Eastern and central North America. Recorded from Canada (Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec) and widespread across the eastern and central United States from Maine and the Atlantic coast west to Minnesota, Iowa, Kansas, Nebraska, and Texas. Common and abundant in Missouri relative to Geotrupes splendidus.

Adults active primarily in late fall (October) through early winter, persisting until hard winter conditions set in. Adults emerge in late fall, overwinter, and mate in spring. Peak activity coincides with mild autumn days.

Adults feed on mammal dung. Larvae develop in dung, which appears to be the preferred food source for this subspecies (in contrast to Geotrupes splendidus, which more commonly uses leaf litter for larval development).

Adults emerge in late fall, overwinter, and mate in spring. Larvae develop in dung. Specific details of egg-laying behavior and larval instars are not well documented.

Adults are often found singly on animal dung or on the ground nearby. Frequently observed on forest trails in association with horse dung and other mammal scats. Exhibits burrowing behavior typical of geotrupids, digging burrows in soil for larval development.

Contributes to dung burial and nutrient cycling in forest ecosystems. Facilitates decomposition of mammal waste and soil aeration through burrowing activities.

Occasionally encountered by hikers and naturalists on woodland trails. Of interest to entomologists and coleopterists. No significant economic importance documented.

• Geotrupes splendidusSympatric and active at the same time of year; distinguished by larger size, punctured lateral pronotum, and variable green/yellow-green/purple coloration versus the all-black, nearly impunctate, smaller G. blackburnii excrementi
• Geotrupes semiopacusHas been confused with G. blackburnii in Missouri; requires careful examination of pronotal punctation and other characters for separation

• BugGuide
• GBIF taxonomy match
• iNaturalist taxon
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