Trichonotulus scrofa

Dung Beetle

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

Trichonotulus scrofa

European origin
Dwelling species (endocoprids)

Size: 3 to 3.7 mm long and about 1.5 mm wide

Identification: Dull black to brown very small beetle

A dark brown very pubescent dung beetle. The head is black. The pronotum is punctate, dark brown with a tan strip on the anterior end and covered in tiny tan colored hairs. The elytra is a lighter brown compared to the pronotum and head, and also covered in tiny tan colored hairs. The legs are a translucent reddish brown. The beetle is approximately 3.0 to 4.0 mm in length. — Photo by Hannah Tolz

Range: Found in the Northern NY, Maine and Vermont

Adult Activity Period: Spring

Overwinter Life Stage: Likely overwinters as an adult

Diet: Occupies many types of dung but prefers sandy soil.

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 Visual Guide

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.