Malagasy Dung Beetle vs Saphirinus Dung Beetle

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Malagasy Dung Beetle Saphirinus Dung Beetle
Scientific Name Helictopleurus neoamplicollis Coprophanaeus saphirinus
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Scarabaeidae Scarabaeidae
Size 10-16 mm 18-30 mm
Habitat Forests Forests
Diet Dung Feeders Dung Feeders
Regions Madagascar South America (Brazil, Argentina)
Conservation Vulnerable Least Concern

Malagasy Dung Beetle

A medium-sized, dark-bodied tunneling dung beetle endemic to Madagascar. Males have pronotal ridges. It processes lemur and tenrec dung in the island's unique forests. Threatened by deforestation of Madagascar's remaining forests.

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Did You Know?

The dung beetles of Madagascar evolved in isolation and many species are found nowhere else on Earth.

Saphirinus Dung Beetle

A stunning metallic sapphire-blue tunneling dung beetle with brilliant iridescence. Males have a prominent horn. It is one of the most beautifully colored dung beetles in the Neotropics and an important decomposer.

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Did You Know?

The sapphire-blue metallic sheen is so intense that museum specimens retain their color for over a century.