Teuchestes fossor

Dung Beetle

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

Teuchestes fossor

  • European origin
  • Dwelling species (endocoprids)

Size: 8.0 to 12.0 mm in length; 4.3 to 5.2 mm wide

Identification:  Large, all black

A large dung beetle entirely black and glossy. The pronotum is moderately punctate. Three bumps or ridges (tubercles) can be seen on the head. The scutellum is large, roughly ⅓ the length of the elytra. The beetle is approximately 8-12 mm in length.
Teuchestes fossor

Range

Across North America and Europe

Overwinter Life Stage

Adult

Generations per season

Spring and possibly fall

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
Eupleurus subterraneus
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.
Calamosternus granarius