Onthophagus Hecate

“Scooped Scarab”

Dung Beetle

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

Male top view

​​​​​​Onthophagus Hecate

The male as pictured here has an overhanging horn-like projection that forms from the pronotum and extends over the head. The beetle is approximately 9mm in length.

A dung beetle with a rough, dull, black head, pronotum, and wing casing (elytra). The pronotum has dense scattered tubercles which can be observed as small bumps covering the insect’s armor. The elytra also have these bumps which can be found with small white colored hairs. The scutellum is not visible. The male as pictured here has an overhanging horn-like projection that forms from the pronotum and extends over the head. The beetle is approximately 9mm in length.
Onthophagus Hecate. Photo by Hannah Tolz
  • Europe origin
  • Tunneling species (Paracoprid)

Size: 5.2–9.5 mm length; 1 to 2.5 mm wide

Identification: Dull black

Range: Occurs in North America East to about South Dakota

Overwinter Life Stage: Adult or Pupa

Generations per season: 3 to 4 generations

Male side view

Onthophagus hecate 

The male as pictured here has an overhanging horn-like projection that forms from the pronotum and extends over the head. The beetle is approximately 9mm in length.
 

This is a side view of a dung beetle with a rough, dull, black head, pronotum, and wing casing (elytra). The pronotum has dense scattered tubercles which can be observed as small bumps covering the insect’s armor. The elytra also have these bumps which can be found with small white colored hairs. The scutellum is not visible. The male as pictured here has an overhanging horn-like projection that forms from the pronotum and extends over the head. The beetle is approximately 9mm in length.
Onthophagus hectate side male. Photo by Hannah Tolz

Female top view

Onthophagus hecate

This female lacks the large projection seen in males and is significantly smaller in size– approximately 6-8mm.

A dung beetle with a rough, dull, black head, pronotum, and wing casing (elytra). The pronotum has dense scattered tubercles which can be observed as small bumps covering the insect’s armor. The elytra also have these bumps which can be found with small white colored hairs. The scutellum is not visible. This female lacks the large projection seen in males and is significantly smaller in size– approximately 6-8mm.
Onthophagus hectate female. Photo by Hannah Tolz

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

A Visual Guide

side view of a black scarab beetle with long horns
Onthophagus taurus
Round brown beetle
Onthophagus pennsylvanicus