a little Dung Beetle found in spider web - Onthophagus taurus - BugGuide.Net

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Home » Guide » Arthropods (Arthropoda) » Insects (Insecta) » Beetles (Coleoptera) » Water, Rove, Scarab, Longhorn, Leaf and Snout Beetles (Polyphaga) » Scarab, Stag and Bess Beetles (Scarabaeoidea) » Scarab Beetles (Scarabaeidae) » Dung Beetles (Scarabaeinae) » Onthophagus » Bull Headed Dung Beetle (Onthophagus taurus)

Photo#136112

Copyright © 2007 Beth Sands

a little Dung Beetle found in spider web - Onthophagus taurus

Manteca, San joaquin County, California, USA
August 12, 2007
Size: 1/4"

A couple of days ago I found a live mature Dung Beetle and sent in 3 pictures ... he has yet to be identified . So I sent in this picture of a small version of him for the dorsal view needed for i.d. I hope that this photo will help in identification . Are these Beetles common in California ? Thanks for all the great replies , I really appreciate all the comments . Thanks , Beth the shutterbug

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Contributed by Beth Sands on 12 August, 2007 - 1:57pm
Last updated 14 August, 2007 - 8:47am

Are you sure?

Is this the same beetle as in thother two pics? If so, it is much smaller than the one you described (at 3/4"). This one appears to be a minor male of Onthophagus taurus, unlike the other that appears to be female. Taurus is very common where it exists, but the other beetle does not appear to be taurus.

… Matt Bertone, 12 August, 2007 - 3:41pm

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smaller Dung Beetle

Hi Matt . I just found this smaller Dung Beetle in a spider web and the spider had already killed it . The other 3 posts are of a much bigger Dung Beetle who was3/4 " and he flew away like a rocket straight up after I took 4 photos of him . I was searching around my yard to see if I could find another like the big one and was surprised to find a small Beetle in the web where upon closer inspection I noticed that it looked a lot like the big one : same color , same front digging claws , everything except the size . I have been searching for more live ones after watering my plants and trees and have not come acrost any . Do you know for sure what the small Beetle is ? Yes , I am certain of the big beetle's size as he was impressive ... thanks for any more comments that you have ... I will keep searching for more big ones .

… Beth Sands, 12 August, 2007 - 3:59pm

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agree

w/ Matt - certainly Onthophagus, almost has to be taurus. Keep your eyes open for the big one - need a shot just like this.

… Phillip Harpootlian, 12 August, 2007 - 7:54pm

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