Onthophagus hecate blatchleyi
Brown, 1929
Scooped Scarab
Onthophagus hecate blatchleyi is a small dung beetle in the Scarabaeidae, recognized as a regional variant of the Scooped Scarab. Males possess a distinctive broad, forked horn projecting from the , which they use in combat for mating rights. The has been documented visiting both and carrion, including bird carcasses and cattle . Research indicates are vulnerable to certain livestock parasiticides, particularly those with persistent residues in dung.
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Onthophagus hecate blatchleyi: /ɒnˈθɒfəɡəs ˈhɛkəti blætʃˈlaɪaɪ/
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Identification
Distinguished from similar small dung beetles by the male's broad, forked thoracic horn. The small size (6–9 mm) and association with or carrion help separate it from larger scarab . Differentiation from other Onthophagus species requires examination of genitalia or detailed morphological comparison; the horn structure may be diagnostic for O. hecate relative to some .
Habitat
Associated with , particularly cattle in pasture settings. Also recorded from carrion, including small bird carcasses. Requires open where livestock or wildlife dung accumulates.
Distribution
Recorded from Vermont, United States, and Colorado. The subspecific epithet suggests a described form potentially with broader or more specific range than the nominate , though precise boundaries are not well-documented.
Diet
Feeds on and carrion material. Documented on cattle and carcasses of small vertebrates including birds.
Behavior
Males engage in combat using their thoracic horns to battle for access to females. Has been observed on carrion alongside other carrion-associated beetles including rove beetles, sexton beetles, and clown beetles. are capable of .
Ecological Role
Contributes to burial and nutrient recycling in pasture . Mixes dung into soil, which may reduce methane emissions and outcompete pest . Serves as a non-target for assessing impacts of livestock parasiticides on beneficial insects.
Human Relevance
Subject of research on non-target effects of cattle parasiticides. are negatively impacted by residues of diflubenzuron (Clarifly) and eprinomectin (LongRange) in , which persist 8–12 weeks post-treatment. Fenbendazole (Safeguard) has been shown to have no adverse effects. Provides services in cattle farming systems through dung processing.
Similar Taxa
- Onthophagus hecate hecateNominate ; morphological differences subtle and require detailed examination. The subspecies blatchleyi was described based on presumably distinct geographic or morphological features, but field identification is challenging.
- Other Onthophagus speciesMany share small size and association; male horn is primary distinguishing feature, though precise identification often requires dissection and examination of genitalia.
- Trox sonoraeAlso small (8–11 mm) and found on carrion, but in Trogidae. Distinguished by rough, debris-covered texture and of playing dead in rigid posture; lacks horned males and has different body texture.
More Details
Parasiticide Sensitivity
Research at West Virginia University demonstrated that O. hecate is sensitive to persistent parasiticides in cattle . LongRange (eprinomectin) remained toxic to dung beetles for 30–90 days post-treatment. This serves as a model organism for assessing impacts on beneficial dung beetles in systems.