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How to use the Keys
How to tell if your
beetle is a dung
beetle
References
Glossary
The importance of
Dung Beetles
Acknowledgements
Onitis pecuarius
Distribution
South Africa.
Introduced between 1976 and 1979 in New South Wales & Queensland. Now established around several release sites in south-eastern and north-eastern New South Wales.
Description
Total length 15-20mm. Colour dark brown to black.
Head: No clypeal teeth. Surface moderately punctate, glabrous. A single, small tubercle medially and a low transverse keel between the eyes.
Prothorax: With lateral depressions. Surfaces shiny, glabrous, covered with large punctures.
Elytra: Striae distinct, impressed, with large punctures, glabrous. Intervals shagreened, intervals 8 & 9 dorsally flattened.
Legs: Hind femur with two blunt teeth.
Sexual dimorphism
Female: No teeth on hind femur.
References
Tyndale-Biscoe, M. (1990) Common Dung Beetles in Pastures of South-eastern Australia. CSIRO Division of Entomology.
Copyright © Australian Museum 2016
Authors: Rebecca Harris & Dr. Chris Reid