Onthophagus

Pronunciation

How to pronounce Onthophagus: /ɒnˈθɒfəɡəs/

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Summary

Onthophagus is a diverse genus of dung beetles known for their ecological role in decomposition, with significant variation in size and morphology among species.

Physical Characteristics

Adults vary in size from 2.5 to 14.0 mm. Males often have variously adorned heads or pronota.

Identification Tips

Look for distinctive horn structures on males along with size variation; the presence of dung near their habitat can indicate their presence.

Habitat

Typically found in areas where dung, carrion, or fungi is present, as they dig tunnels beneath these materials for feeding and reproduction.

Distribution

Globally distributed, with 37 species in our area, approximately 230 in the New World, and about 2,260 species overall.

Diet

Primarily feed on dung, but some species also utilize carrion or fungi.

Life Cycle

Adults dig a tunnel under the dung supply where larvae develop.

Reproduction

Mating occurs after the adults have found suitable dung; females lay eggs within the dung.

Ecosystem Role

Play a crucial role in nutrient recycling and soil aeration through dung decomposition.

Cultural Significance

Their role in decomposition makes them important in agricultural systems and waste management.

Collecting Methods

• Pitfall traps
• Hand collection
• Baited traps with dung or carrion

Preservation Methods

• Ethanol preservation
• Pinning
• Drying

Evolution

Part of the broader evolutionary lineage of scarab beetles, adapted to a detritivore lifestyle.

Similar Taxa

• Scarabaeidae
• Phanaeini
• Digitonthophagus
• Proagoderus

Misconceptions

Often confused with other beetle genera; not all dung beetles are in the genus Onthophagus.

Tags

• dung beetles
• Onthophagus
• scarabaeidae
• Coleoptera
• entomology