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Onthophagus binodis
Onthophagus binodis
(Length 11-13mm)
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Identifying features
​Onthophagus binodis is a small matt black beetle (11 – 13mm) with a prominent lobe in the front of the male’s pronotum. The lobe is less pronounced in females which can cause confusion with female O. taurus (shinier with a more rounded thorax).
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Distribution
Onthophagus binodis is native to South Africa. Since its release in the early days of the dung beetle programme, it has become widespread throughout southern Australia.
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Additional Information
Onthophagus binodis are active from late spring to autumn and have two generations a year. Nests are constructed approximately 20cm beneath the dung pad and comprise several dung masses with one egg in each. Development from egg to adult takes 4 to 6 weeks. Dung is buried in spring and within a week of emergence, beetles are breeding. Beetles then emerge from brood masses in December to March, and the young adults commence feeding – extensive shedding of dung can be seen. Dung burial and oviposition of the next generation occurs in February – March. A smaller percentage of dung is buried than in spring. Egg production on dry summer annual pasture is 7% of that from green spring pasture (James Ridsdill-Smith). These beetles emerge and feed in April – May. Adults overwinter in the soil and emerge to start breeding as soil temperature rises.
Onthophagus binodis flies during the day.
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