Farmyard Midge vs Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Farmyard Midge Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Culicoides nubeculosus Scarabaeus sacer
Order Diptera Coleoptera
Family Ceratopogonidae Scarabaeidae
Size 2 mm 20-30 mm
Habitat Farmland Farmland
Diet Dung Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Europe Africa, Europe, Asia
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Farmyard Midge

A tiny biting midge that breeds in mud contaminated by dung or sewage. Adults suck blood from horses and cattle. Can transmit bluetongue virus and African horse sickness.

💡

Did You Know?

Despite being only 2mm long, it is the primary vector of bluetongue virus, a devastating livestock disease.

Dung Beetle

Sacred to ancient Egyptians who associated them with the sun god Ra. They roll balls of dung for food and breeding. Navigate using the Milky Way.

💡

Did You Know?

Dung beetles are the only known animals to navigate using the Milky Way — they use the band of light to roll their dung balls in a straight line.