Onthophagus taurus

“Bull-headed Dung Beetles”

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

Onthophagus taurus

European origin
Tunneling species (Paracoprid)

Size: 8 to 10 mm in length; 5 to 6 mm wide

Identification: shiny black

black scarab beetle with long horns — Onthophagus taurus male “Bull-headed Dung Beetles.” Photo by Hannah Tolz

Range

Eastern North America (has expanded its range from the introduction in the 1970s)

Overwinter Life Stage

Adult or Pupa

Generations per season

There are at least 2 generations or more per year.

side view of a black scarab beetle with long horns

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

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 taurus

“Bull-headed Dung Beetles”