Explanation of Names
Orig. Comb: Scarabaeus granarius Linnaeus, 1767
Size
4–6 mm - Smith & Skelley, 2007
Identification
A highly variable species as indicated by the large synonymy.
Males have broad pronotum and smoother clypeus;
females have narrower pronotum and rugose clypeus. - Smith & Skelley, 2007
Most common misidentification is Calamosternus granarius and Oscarinus rusicola. Both are very common, but can be distinguished easily by the shape of the scutellum, among other characters. Pentagon vs. triangle, respectively.
Range
Cosmopolitan, one of the most widely dist. sp., now found in every part of the globe -
Map (1)(2), mostly N. Amer. and Europe
Habitat
common wherever cows and other European farm animals are found - Smith & Skelley, 2007
One of the most common sp. in cow dung in the ne. US.
(1)Food
Highly polyphagous, feeding on all kinds of dung, debris, decaying vegetables, compost, carrion, etc.
(1)Internet References
University of Nebraska - Andrew Smith and Paul Skelley, 2007