
Community identification
Rainbow scarab
Phanaeus vindex
- Order & Family
- Coleoptera, Scarabaeidae
- Size
- 1.1 to 2.2 cm (0.43 to 0.87 inches)
Natural Habitat
Pastures, woodlands, and areas with livestock manure across North America
Diet & Feeding
Dung (primarily from herbivores such as cattle), feeding on organic matter within the feces
Behavior Patterns
Dung beetles roll and bury dung into underground chambers where they lay eggs, providing a food source for their larvae
Risks & Benefits
Completely harmless to humans; highly beneficial as they recycle nutrients, improve soil aeration, and help control pest flies by removing manure from the surface