Copris

Classification

Phylum: Arthropoda
Subphylum: Hexapoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Suborder: Polyphaga
Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
Family: Scarabaeidae
Subfamily: Scarabaeinae
Tribe: Coprini
Genus: Copris

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Copris: //ˈkoʊ.prɪs//

These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.

Images

Copris arizonensis - Dung Beetle by insectsunlocked. Used under a CC0 license.

Copris fricator by Bruce Marlin. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.

Copris minutus by CBG Photography Group, Centre for Biodiversity Genomics. Used under a CC BY 3.0 license.

Illustrations of Exotic Entomology I 35 by Plates: Dru Drury (1725–1803). Text: John Obadiah Westwood (1805–1893). Used under a Public domain license.

Summary

Copris is a genus of dung beetles known for their tunneling behavior and their ecological role in recycling dung. With over 250 species described, they exhibit a near-global distribution, particularly thriving in warmer regions where dung is abundant.

Physical Characteristics

Dung beetles of the genus Copris are characterized by their robust, often glossy bodies and specialized adaptations for burrowing and tunneling in dung. They typically exhibit a dark coloration.

Identification Tips

Look for their distinctive shape and size, which is generally compact and robust. Their habit of burying dung can also serve as an identification tip, along with the presence of clubbed antennae typical of many scarab beetles.

Habitat

Copris species are commonly found in various habitats including pastures, forests, and grasslands where dung is available for them to burrow and feed on.

Distribution

These beetles have an almost worldwide distribution, with a higher diversity present in warmer climates.

Diet

Copris species primarily feed on dung, which they bury and utilize as a food source for themselves and their larvae.

Life Cycle

The life cycle involves egg laying in dung, which serves both as a food source and protection for the emerging larvae. The complete metamorphosis includes the egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages.

Reproduction

Copris beetles typically reproduce by laying eggs in a dung ball, which provides nutrients for the larvae upon hatching.

Ecosystem Role

As dung beetles, they play a critical role in nutrient cycling and soil aeration by breaking down dung, which enhances soil fertility and structure.

Economic Impact

They are beneficial for agriculture as they help in waste management and soil health, potentially reducing the need for chemical fertilizers.

Health Concerns

There are no significant health concerns associated with Copris beetles, as they do not pose a direct threat to humans. However, their role in decomposition helps manage parasites found in animal dung.

Evolution

The genus Copris has evolved a range of adaptations that enable them to thrive in environments where dung is present. They belong to the family Scarabaeidae, which has a long evolutionary history dating back to the Mesozoic era.