typhlonectes: Dung Beetles … lay their eggs on fresh animal droppings. The stereotypical dung
typhlonectes: Dung Beetles … lay their eggs on fresh animal droppings. The stereotypical dung beetle forms a ball of dung that they roll away with their back legs and then bury. Many species do actually do this; many, however, will use the poop where it falls. The Rainbow Scarab (Phanaeus vindex) digs a burrow beneath the pile and moves some of it down, where the female then lays her eggs on it. Males and females usually work together. The beetles have an excellent sense of smell, often detecting fresh dung quickly and from a great distance - there are stories of some people never having to clean up their backyard after their dog, because these guys get there and do it first. As many scarabs are, they are relatively large beetles, reaching lengths of 0.8-1.2 in (2-3 cm). Only male Rainbow Scarabs have the long horn and shield-like protonum (crest), which suggests it’s used for fighting other males in mate acquisition or guarding. It is a widespread species ranging throughout the east north to the Great Lakes, and found throughout the warm months - sometimes year-round in the south.photograph by Sebastian Eder (AutTx) (via: Peterson Field Guides) -- source link
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