Onthophagus pennsylvanicus

Dung beetle

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

Onthophagus pennsylvanicus

North American origin
Tunneling species (Paracoprid)

A dung beetle with a rough, dull, black head, pronotum, and wing casing (elytra). The beetle is wide and round. The pronotum is densely punctate (indents). The head appears short and tucked. The scutellum is not visible. The specimen pictured appears dirty. — Onthophagus pennsylvanicus, dung beetle. Photo by Hannah Tolz

Size: 3.5–5.0 mm length; 1 to 2.5 mm wide

Identification: Dull black

Range: Occurs in North America to about South Dakota

Overwinter Life Stage: Adult or Pupa

Generations per season: 3 to 4 generations

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 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.