Acrossus rubripennis

Dung Beetle

As part of nature's cleanup crew, acrossus rubripennis contbutes to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Acrossus rubripennis

North American origin
Dwelling species (endocoprids)

Size: 6.2 to 9.0 mm in length; 3.3 to 4.4 mm wide

Identification: Head and pronotum black, elytra over the abdomen is reddish. Darkens at the posterior end.

A brown dung beetle. The head and pronotum are distinctly black. The wing case (elytra) over the abdomen is a light reddish brown but begins to darken at the posterior end into a dark brown. The pronotum is moderately punctate with small punctures. The legs appear to be a very dark brown but the tarsi appear slightly reddish. The scutellum is small, roughly ⅛ the length of the elytra. The beetle is approximately 6.2-9.0 mm in length. — Acrossus rubripennis, a kind of dung beetle. Photo by Hannah Tolz

Range

Across North America

Overwinter Life Stage

Unknown

Generations per season

One, possibly two

Dwellers

Endocorpids

Dung beetle species that "dwell" lay their eggs in brood balls they have constructed in the the pat or just below the surface.

More dwelling dung beetles of New York

illustration of a cow pat with tunnels inside with brood balls and dung beetles — Illustration by Hannah Tolz

About Dung Beetles

Dung beetles are a beneficial part of the agricultural integrated pest management toolkit, helping to control unwanted pests, such as horn and face flies. These industrious insects play a crucial role in maintaining ecosystem balance by efficiently recycling dung, improving soil quality, and reducing the prevalence of harmful pests.

A Visual Guide

A dung beetle with a black head and a shiny reddish brown elytra. The pronotum is also black with orange brown front corners. Small scutellum. The beetle is approximately 6-10mm in length.

A dung beetle with a black head and black densely punctate pronotum. The wing case (elytra )is dark brown with a darker band along the elytral suture. The scutellum is relatively large, roughly ⅕ the length of the elytra. The beetle is approximately 6-8mm in length.