DUNG BEETLES   IN THE SOUTH WEST OF WESTERN AUSTRALIA

Onitis aygulus

(Length 20-25mm)

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Identifying features:

Two-tones beetle. Dark brown thorax, often with copper or green sheen. Wing covers light brown. Ventral surface and legs black or with dark green sheen. Males have uneven double spur on hind legs. Females have distinct 'bump' or tubercle at back of head. In both sexes, clypeal ridge is nearer to font of head than frontal ridge.

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Simular to Onitis alexis but larger. Male Onitis alexis have single curved spur on hind legs. In Onitis alexis, clypeal ridge is nearer frontal ridge than front of head.

 

Distribution:

Onitis aygulus occurs in cool dry areas of South Africa and Namibia. In Australia it is established in WA, SA, Vic and NSW.

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Additional Information:

Activity is form Spring to Autumn and may cease during hot dry summers. Nests are buried at a dept of up to 16cm and comprise of several brood 'sausages' each containing up yo eight eggs. Developed from egg to adult takes between 2 1/2 to 10 months. Flight occurs at dusk and dawn.  

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