Gazelle Scarab
Digitonthophagus gazella
This record describes Digitonthophagus gazella (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
brown elytra often has cloudy markings, male with two short horns. ventrally distinctive femora: ♀ ♂ first released in Texas in April 1972 in Victoria County (R. R. Blume, personal communication). In July 1972, an additional release was made in Kleberg County (Blume and Aga 1978). Other releases in Texas were made in 1973 in Gillespie County, 1974 in Brazos County, and 1975 in Colorado County (R. R. Blume, personal communication). ( 4 ) In Kleberg County, Texas, 0. gazella spread approximately 16 km from the release site by the end of 1973 and an additional 32 km during 1974 (Blume and Aga 1978). In 1975, a further spread of 32 km was recorded and by October 1976, 0. gazella was found in 18 south Texas counties (Blume and Aga 1978). ( 4 )
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Onthophagini
- Genus
- Digitonthophagus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
se US to AZ (AZ-FL-NC-OK) / Pantropical - Map Of Indoafrican origin, intentionally introduced into Texas for dung control in the 1970s, and it's now, perhaps, the most widespread dung beetle in tropical and subtropical pastures. (Noriega et al. 2010) uncommon north of South Carolina
Seasonal Activity
Apr-Oct (BG data)
Diet and Behavior
Life History
Larvae feed on dung. Pupa: ♂
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Digitonthophagus gazella. 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 Gazelle Scarab (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Cotinis; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Phillip Harpootlian , Chuck Entz , Mike Quinn , Robert H. Biagi
Frequently Asked Questions About Gazelle Scarab
What is Gazelle Scarab?
Gazelle Scarab (Digitonthophagus gazella) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How big is Gazelle Scarab?
10-13 mm
How do you identify Gazelle Scarab?
brown elytra often has cloudy markings, male with two short horns. ventrally distinctive femora: ♀ ♂
Where is Gazelle Scarab found?
Range: se US to AZ (AZ-FL-NC-OK) / Pantropical - Map Of Indoafrican origin, intentionally introduced into Texas for dung control in the 1970s, and it's now, perhaps, the most widespread dung beetle in tropical and subtropical pastures. (Noriega et al. 2010) uncommon north of South Carolina
When is Gazelle Scarab active?
Gazelle Scarab: seasonal activity - Apr-Oct (BG data).
What is the life cycle of a Gazelle Scarab?
Larvae feed on dung. Pupa: ♂