Mediterranean Drilus vs Sand Dune Scarab

Side-by-side species comparison

Attribute Mediterranean Drilus Sand Dune Scarab
Scientific Name Drilus mauritanicus Pseudocotalpa andrewsi
Order Coleoptera Coleoptera
Family Drilidae Scarabaeidae
Size 5-7 mm (male), 15-20 mm (female) 15-22 mm
Habitat Heathland Deserts & Drylands
Diet Predators Root Feeders
Regions North Africa, Mediterranean North America
Conservation Least Concern Least Concern

Mediterranean Drilus

A North African drilus beetle with small winged males bearing brown elytra and pectinate antennae. The larviform females are specialized predators of Mediterranean land snails.

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Did You Know?

After consuming a snail, the female lays her eggs inside the empty snail shell, which also serves as protection for the developing larvae.

Sand Dune Scarab

A metallic golden-green scarab beetle found only on desert sand dunes. Adults emerge briefly after rains to feed and mate.

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Did You Know?

It can burrow into loose sand in seconds using its broad, shovel-like forelegs.