Scarabaeinae

Latreille, 1802

true dung beetles, dung beetles

Tribe Guides

Scarabaeinae is a of scarab beetles comprising the true . typically feed on , though some consume carrion, decaying fruit, or fungi. The subfamily is divided into three functional guilds—rollers (telecoprids), tunnelers (paracoprids), and dwellers (endocoprids)—based on dung processing . Members exhibit modified mouthparts with an expanded covering the , and possess a space between the middle legs for dung manipulation. The subfamily originated in the Lower Cretaceous (115–130 million years ago) and is hypothesized to have co-evolved with dinosaurs.

Onthophagini by (c) Robert Taylor, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Robert Taylor. Used under a CC-BY license.

Phanaeus by (c) Judy Gallagher, some rights reserved (CC BY). Used under a CC-BY license.

Onthophagus orpheus by (c) Mark Richman, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Mark Richman. Used under a CC-BY license.

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Scarabaeinae: //skær.əˈbiː.ɪ.naɪ//

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Images

Habitat

Found in terrestrial worldwide where mammalian is available. are strongly dependent on vegetation cover, which preserves dung pads and supports vertebrate . In forested areas with dense , dung remains suitable longer; in open habitats, rapid desiccation limits dung availability. Some occupy specialized habitats such as sand dunes or desert environments.

Distribution

Global distribution across all continents except Antarctica. Tribes show distinct biogeographic patterns: Ateuchini, Coprini, Deltochilini, and Onthophagini are globally distributed; Oniticellini and Sisyphini are predominantly Old World; Gymnopleurini, Scarabaeini, and Onitini are restricted to the Old World; Eucraniini and Phanaeini are to the New World.

Diet

Most feed primarily on mammalian . Some species consume carrion, decaying fruit, or fungi. A minority have shifted to : Deltochilum valgum in Peruvian rainforests preys exclusively on millipedes, and Sceliages species in southern Africa provision larvae with crushed millipedes. Anomiopsoides cavifrons in Argentinian deserts feeds primarily on dry plant debris.

Life Cycle

Complete with , larva, pupa, and stages. Larvae develop within balls constructed from or alternative provisions. Both parents typically cooperate to dig tunnels and create brood balls, though some exhibit uniparental care. Females lay single eggs within brood balls; larvae feed on surrounding material through multiple instars before pupating. Development from egg to reproductive adult takes approximately two weeks in some species.

Behavior

Divided into three behavioral guilds: rollers form balls and roll them away from the source; tunnelers dig beneath dung and bury portions directly; dwellers inhabit dung without constructing nests. Eucraniini uniquely carry provisions using enlarged forelegs while on middle and hind legs. Some exhibit parental care through cooperative tunnel construction and provisioning.

Ecological Role

Primary decomposers of mammalian . Dung burial aerates soil, enhances nutrient cycling and plant uptake, improves pasture quality, and controls pest flies and intestinal . Serve as secondary seed dispersers by burying seeds contained in dung. Support functioning through bioturbation and nutrient redistribution.

Human Relevance

Used in programs: introduced to Australia and elsewhere to manage livestock and reduce soil degradation. Some are useful in , though less so than dedicated carrion beetles. Subject of extensive ecological research due to their measurable services.