Introduced Dung Beetles in Australia

A Pocket Field Guide

Penny Edwards, Pam Wilson, Jane Wright

• Publisher: CSIRO PUBLISHING
• Year: 2015
• eBook ISBN: 9781486300716
• Edition: 3
• Topic: Biowissenschaften
• Subtopic: Zoologie

This field guide to introduced dung beetles covers all species found in Australia, including two newly introduced species. It will enable farmers, Landcare workers and the interested public to identify and learn about the basic biology of these beetles found in cattle dung.

Bubas bison

1. Bubas bison

Identification

(Length: 13–19 mm)

Figure 1a Large male B. bison, side view

The beetle is shiny black. Large males have a long horn on each side of the head and a pronounced horn on the pronotum (Fig. 1a). Smaller males have a horn on each side of the head, but not on the pronotum. Females have a distinct ridge on the head between the eyes, and a ridge on the pronotum (Fig. 1b).

Figure 1b Female of B. bison, side view

Similar species

Bubas bubalus could be confused with Bubas bison as both species may be active at the end of winter. B. bubalus can be distinguished by the head and pronotal armature in the males (Fig. 24b) and the interrupted pronotal ridge in the females (Fig. 24c).

Distribution

Bubas bison is native to Europe, where it occurs in Mediterranean regions. In Australia it has established in WA, SA, Vic and southern NSW (Fig. 1c).

Figure 1c Distribution of B. bison

Biology

Several brood masses, each containing two eggs, one at each end, are buried in a nest 20–40 cm below the dung pad. Activity occurs mainly in autumn and early winter, but may continue through to spring under suitable conditions. Flight occurs at dusk and dawn.

2. Copris elphenor

Identification

(Length: 20–25 mm)

Figure 2a Male C. elphenor, side view

A large shiny black beetle. The males have a large tapered horn on the head (Fig. 2a) and the females have a small blunt horn on the head (Fig. 2b). The front of the pronotum has distinctive indentations and several protuberances.

Figure 2b Female C. elphenor, side view

Similar species

The species could be confused with Copris hispanus; however, C. hispanus does not have protuberances on the pronotum and female C. hispanus have a pointed horn, in contrast to the blunt horn of female C. elphenor. It is unlikely that the two species will occupy the same geographic area.

Distribution

Copris elphenor is native to southern and eastern Africa. In Australia it is established near Biloela, Qld (Fig. 2c), but is suitable for much of eastern Qld and possibly northern parts of NSW.

Figure 2c Distribution of C. elphenor

Biology

Copris elphenor has a single generation per year. A male and female co-operate in constructing a nesting chamber ~30 cm below the dung pad. Females make 1–4 brood balls in the chamber, each containing one egg. It is a brood-caring species, with the female remaining in the nest while the larvae are developing. It is active from spring to autumn, and breeds in spring and summer. Beetles fly at night.

3. Copris hispanus

Identification

(Length: 16–26 mm)

Figure 3a Male C. hispanus, side view

A large shiny black beetle. The male has a large curved horn on the head (Fig. 3a). The female is similar in appearance, but the horn is usually smaller (Fig. 3b). The male has a concave area at the front of the pronotum with no protuberances. The pronotum of the female is slightly less concave than that of the male.

Figure 3b Female C. hispanus, side view

Similar species

Male Copris hispanus could be confused with male Copris elphenor; however, it is unlikely that the two species will be found together. Females can be distinguished by the shape of the horn on the head.

Distribution

Copris hispanus is native...

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• Introduction
• The introduced beetles
• Onitis pecuarius v. O. viridulus
• New introductions
• Native dung beetles
• Other beetles in dung
• Acknowledgements
• References