Colobopterus erraticus

Dung Beetle

As part of nature's cleanup crew, Colobopterus erraticus contributes to a healthier and more sustainable environment.

Colobopterus erraticus

European origin
Tunneling species (Paracoprids)

Size: 6.0-8.1 mm in length; 3.0-4.3 mm wide

Identification: The head and pronotum is black. The wing case (elytra) over the abdomen is a brownish color.

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. Photo by Hannah Tolz

Range

Across North America and much of the world

Overwinter Life Stage

Adult

Generations per season

Spring into summer and possibly fall

Tunnelers

Dung beetle species that "tunnel" lay their eggs in the brood balls they have constructed in tunnels below the pat.

More tunneling dung beetles of New York

illustration of a cow pat with tunnels underneath filled 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 dark dung beetle with a black head and pronotum. The wing casing (elytra) is a very glossy dark brownish black. The legs appear reddish. The head is densely punctate. The scutellum forms a pentagon up close. The scutellum is small, roughly 1/10th to 1/8th the length of elytra. The beetle is approximately 3-6 mm in length.

A mostly black dung beetle, reddish at the end of the wing case (elytra) over abdomen. Scutellum is punctate and relatively large, roughly ¼ the length of the elytra. The beetle is approximately 4-6mm in length.