Aphodius fimetarius
This record describes Aphodius fimetarius (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This rather cylindrical looking Dung Beetle has an orange-red ribbed elytra with a black head and thorax. There are other similar species but A. fimetarius has an even border around the thorax which also has yellow side patches. Females are larger than the males, at up to 8 mm in length. Often around herbivorous animals or in their dung, but is also attracted to lights, so may be found in well lit areas. Throughout the year peaking April to October. They feed on all sorts of herbivorous dung. Although thought to be fairly widespread in England and Wales actual status is unclear as the species has been split, and it is difficult to assign previous records between Aphodius pedellus and Aphodius fimetarius.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aphodiinae
- Tribe
- Aphodiini
- Genus
- Aphodius
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often around herbivorous animals or in their dung, but is also attracted to lights, so may be found in well lit areas.
Seasonal Activity
Throughout the year peaking April to October.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
They feed on all sorts of herbivorous dung.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Although thought to be fairly widespread in England and Wales actual status is unclear as the species has been split, and it is difficult to assign previous records between Aphodius pedellus and Aphodius fimetarius.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Aphodius fimetarius. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Aphodius fimetarius (4)
Frequently Asked Questions About Aphodius fimetarius
What is Aphodius fimetarius?
Aphodius fimetarius is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Aphodius fimetarius found?
Habitat: Often around herbivorous animals or in their dung, but is also attracted to lights, so may be found in well lit areas.
When is Aphodius fimetarius active?
Aphodius fimetarius: seasonal activity - Throughout the year peaking April to October..
What is the life cycle of a Aphodius fimetarius?
They feed on all sorts of herbivorous dung.