DUNG BEETLES   IN THE SOUTH WEST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Identifying features

The beetle is shiny black medium sized beetle (13 – 19mm). Large males have a long horn on each side of the head and a pronounced horn on the pronotum (thorax). Smaller males have a horn on each side the head, but not on the pronotum. Females have a distinct ridge on the head between the eyes, and a ridge on the pronotum.

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​Distribution

Bubas bison is native to Europe, where it occurs in Mediterranean regions. In Australia it has established in WA, SA, Vic and southern NSW. Monitoring has indicated it is poorly established in the Walpole area though plentiful further north and east in the south west.

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Additional Information

Several brood masses, each containing two eggs, one at each end, are buried in a nest 20-40cm below the dung pad. B. bison emerges at the break of season and continues throughout winter into early spring, or longer if seasonal conditions are conducive.

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Flight occurs at dusk and dawn. When Bubas bison swarm the air is humming!