North-american-invasive
Guides
Teuchestes fossor
gravedigger dung beetle
Teuchestes fossor is a coprophagous dung beetle native to the Palaearctic region that has become widespread in North America following accidental introduction during European settlement. Both adults and larvae feed on herbivore dung, with adults consuming liquid fractions and larvae consuming fibrous material. The species is readily collected from livestock dung and supports key ecosystem services in cattle systems. It is one of the most frequently observed dung beetles in its range, with over 600 citizen science records.