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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 viridulus
Distribution
South Africa and Zimbabwe.
Introduced between 1976 and 1980 in New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory. Now established in these states.
Description
Total length 18-23mm. Colour dark brown, some with copper-coloured reflections on pronotum.
Head: No clypeal teeth. Dorsal part of eyes large. Four low tubercles. Surface moderately punctate, glabrous.
Prothorax: With lateral depressions. Surfaces shiny, glabrous, moderately punctate.
Elytra: Striae distinct, impressed, with large punctures, glabrous. Intervals shagreened, intervals 8 & 9 dorsally flattened.
Sterna: Metasternum with short hairs, moderately punctate.
Legs: Hind femur with a doubled spine.
Abdomen: Pygidium finely punctate, elongated, with very short setae.
Sexual dimorphism
Female: No spines 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