Onthophagini

Onthophagini

Classification

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Onthophagini: /ɒnˌθɒfəˈdʒaɪniː/

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

Images

Onthophagus taurus male and female comparison by R. Costessèque and S. Peslier. Used under a Fair use license.
Onthophagus taurus female by SimulakruM. Used under a CC BY-SA 3.0 license.
Onthophagus nuchicornis (Linnaeus, 1758) Female by URSchmidt. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Musée entomologique illustré (6008704976) by Bisson-Cottard (Firm); Depuiset, A.; Fischbach, Gustave; Poteau, J.; Quartley, J.; Rothschild, J.; Specht, Friedrich; Vizetelly, Henry. Used under a Public domain license.
Onthophagus taurus (Schreber, 1759) Male by URSchmidt. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.
Onthophagus nuchicornis 123651958 by Michel Langeveld. Used under a CC BY-SA 4.0 license.

Summary

Onthophagini is a diverse tribe of dung beetles that exhibit sexual dimorphism with various ornamentation, predominantly located in Africa with significant species representation in the genus Onthophagus.

Physical Characteristics

Onthophagini are characterized by sexual dimorphism, with males displaying larger and more elaborate head and thorax ornaments compared to females.

Identification Tips

Look for the distinctive horns and ornamentation on male specimens; females typically have more subdued features.

Habitat

Onthophagini are often found in a variety of habitats but are commonly associated with dung, as they are dung beetles.

Distribution

Worldwide, with a significant diversity in Africa; in certain regions, notably one native genus (Onthophagus) and one adventive species (Digitonthophagus) in local areas.

Diet

Primarily feed on dung, which they collect and bury, but some may also consume decaying plant material.

Life Cycle

Life cycles typically include egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages, with larvae often developing in dung.

Reproduction

Reproduction involves females laying eggs in dung that are subsequently buried by males; larvae develop in the dung.

Predators

Predators include birds and other insects that feed on beetles and larvae.

Ecosystem Role

Play a crucial role in nutrient recycling and soil aeration by processing dung in their environments.

Collecting Methods

  • Pitfall traps
  • Hand collection

Preservation Methods

  • Ethanol
  • Pinning

Evolution

Onthophagini are part of a larger evolutionary grouping within the Scarabaeinae, with varying degrees of morphological traits among species.

Similar Taxa

Misconceptions

Some may confuse Onthophagini with other beetles due to their similar habitats and feeding habits.

Tags

  • scarab beetles
  • Onthophagini
  • dung beetles