Aphodius fimetarius and pedellus 

Dung beetles

These two dung beetle species are difficult to tell apart without DNA analysis and are included here as a complex. A recent study in Canada found only Aphodius pedellus. As part of nature's cleanup crew, aphodius fimetarius and aphodius pedellus contribute to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Aphodius fimetarius or pedellus 

  • European origin
  • Dwelling species (endocoprids)

Size: 6.9 to 9.5 mm in length; 3.3 to 4.5 mm wide

Identification:  The head and pronotum are black. The wing case (elytra) over the abdomen is darker red.

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.
Photo by Hannah Tolz

Range

Across North America and much of the world

Overwinter Life Stage

Adult, Eggs or larvae

Generations per season

Spring and late summer

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 collage of dung beetles not to size
Dung Beetles of New York State Cattle & Dairy Pastures

A Visual Guide

beetle
Acrossus rubripennis
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.
Colobopterus erraticus

Dung Beetle Visual Guide Photo Credits

Photos and Illustrations by Hannah Tolz, Extension Support Specialist, Cornell IPM.

  • Dung beetle lifestyle illustrations.
  • Dung beetle photos: Aphodius fimetarius or pedellus, Colobopterus erraticus, Calamosternus granarius, Teuchestes fossor, Eupleurus subterraneus, Otophorus haemorrhoidalis, Alloblackburneus rubeolus, Acrossus rubripennisn Oscarinus rusicola, Labarrus pseudolividus (lividus), Onthophagus taurus male, Onthophagus taurus female, Onthophagus pennsylvanicus, Onthophagus hecate male, Onthophagus hecate female, Hister beetle with head tucked, Hister beetle with head visible, Sphaeridium beetle and Rove beetle.
portrait of Ken Wise
Ken Wise

Associate Director, Agricultural IPM, Dairy/Livestock IPM Coordinator

Cornell Integrated Pest Management

Ken Wise
  • klw24 [at] cornell.edu