Teuchestes fossor
This record describes Teuchestes fossor (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Up to 12 mm long and very broad and convex, this dung beetle is black but can have a bluish sheen in certain light. The scutellum is long and studded with small punctuations. In horse and cattle dung from March to October and among flood refuse throughout the autumn and winter. It is also attracted to light so may be found in moth traps. Common over most of England and Wales but less so further north.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Aphodiinae
- Tribe
- Aphodiini
- Genus
- Teuchestes
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Around wet dung of horses and cattle.
Seasonal Activity
In horse and cattle dung from March to October and among flood refuse throughout the autumn and winter.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on dung and debris.
Additional species information
Recorded status
Common over most of England and Wales but less so further north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Teuchestes fossor. 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 Teuchestes fossor (6)
Frequently Asked Questions About Teuchestes fossor
What is Teuchestes fossor?
Teuchestes fossor is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Teuchestes fossor found?
Habitat: Around wet dung of horses and cattle.
When is Teuchestes fossor active?
Teuchestes fossor: seasonal activity - In horse and cattle dung from March to October and among flood refuse throughout the autumn and winter..
What is the life cycle of a Teuchestes fossor?
Larvae feed on dung and debris.