Bull Headed Dung Beetle
Onthophagus taurus
This record describes Onthophagus taurus (species). Recorded family: Scarabaeidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
Major males have long horns and are easy to identify earliest record in our area: FL 1971
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera (Beetles)
- Suborder
- Polyphaga
- Superfamily
- Scarabaeoidea
- Family
- Scarabaeidae (Scarab Beetles)
- Subfamily
- Scarabaeinae
- Tribe
- Onthophagini
- Genus
- Onthophagus
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Geographic Range
native to w. Palaearctic, introduced in NA and widespread in the US (OR‒CA; NH‒FL to MO‒TX); intentionally released in CA NJ TX
Diet and Behavior
Diet: Dung generalist
Life History
Some females practice brood parasitism
Additional species information
Species notes from the sources
Etymology: Onthophagus taurus (Schreber 1759)
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Onthophagus taurus. 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 Bull Headed Dung Beetle (5)
Photo credits: Contributed by Lynette Elliott; Additional contributions by Beatriz Moisset , Phillip Harpootlian , Mike Quinn , v belov , roar
Frequently Asked Questions About Bull Headed Dung Beetle
What is Bull Headed Dung Beetle?
Bull Headed Dung Beetle (Onthophagus taurus) is a species in the family Scarabaeidae, within the order Coleoptera.
How do you identify Bull Headed Dung Beetle?
Major males have long horns and are easy to identify
Where is Bull Headed Dung Beetle found?
Range: native to w. Palaearctic, introduced in NA and widespread in the US (OR‒CA; NH‒FL to MO‒TX); intentionally released in CA NJ TX
What does Bull Headed Dung Beetle eat?
The diet of the Bull Headed Dung Beetle includes Dung generalist.
What is the life cycle of a Bull Headed Dung Beetle?
Some females practice brood parasitism