Paracoprid
Guides
Phanaeus vindex
Rainbow Scarab, Rainbow Dung Beetle
Phanaeus vindex is a medium-sized tunneling dung beetle native to eastern and central North America. Adults are sexually dimorphic and exhibit striking metallic coloration, with males bearing a prominent curved horn. The species creates complex underground tunnel systems beneath dung deposits, constructing both brood balls for reproduction and food caches for adult feeding. It is the most widespread Phanaeus species in the United States and demonstrates behavioral plasticity in response to temperature, adjusting burial depth of food caches under warmer conditions. The species provides important ecosystem services through dung removal, nutrient cycling, and secondary seed dispersal.