Small Black Dung Beetle
Copris minutus
This record describes Copris minutus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Small Black Dung Beetle (Copris minutus) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as scarab beetles, belonging to the order Coleoptera (Beetles). It is classified within the subfamily Scarabaeinae, tribe Coprini, suborder Polyphaga, superfamily Scarabaeoidea. This species belongs to the genus Copris. As a member of class Insecta, phylum Arthropoda, it is part of the kingdom Animalia. Size: 8‒13 mm. Active during All year in SC, Jan‒Nov in NC.
Identification notes
both sexes with horns
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Coprini
- Genus
- Copris
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
e NA (QC‒FL to NE‒TX)
Seasonal Activity
All year in SC, Jan‒Nov in NC ( 3 ) ( 4 )
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Copris minutus (Drury 1770)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Copris minutus. 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 Small Black Dung Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Phillip Harpootlian; Additional contributions by cotinis , Mike Quinn , v belov
Frequently Asked Questions About Small Black Dung Beetle
What is Small Black Dung Beetle?
Small Black Dung Beetle (Copris minutus) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Small Black Dung Beetle?
8‒13 mm
How do you identify Small Black Dung Beetle?
both sexes with horns
Where is Small Black Dung Beetle found?
Range: e NA (QC‒FL to NE‒TX)
When is Small Black Dung Beetle active?
Small Black Dung Beetle: seasonal activity - All year in SC, Jan‒Nov in NC ( 3 ) ( 4 ).