BEETLES

This is a collection of the beetles I have come across in this region and is far from comprehensive, but chances are they’re the most common, interesting or frequently-encountered.

LARGE BLACK BEETLES

Rhinosceros Beetle-Orytes nasicornis

male

Rhinoceros Dung BeetleCopris hispanus

These large black bulky beetles have large wings folded under the elytra (wing covers) and can fly strongly. They stay hidden during the day, but are on the wing at dusk in the spring and summer and are attracted to lights; they are generally noticed when they come  to house lights.

female

 

There is marked dimorphism of the sexes of this species. The male has a recurved ‘horn’ on his head and on the scutum, a hollow topped by a high comb whilst the female has only a triangular plate.

 

 

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