Insect · GBIF taxon 1087542
Phanaeus vindex
phanaeus vindexAlso known as Rainbow Scarab Beetle, Rainbow Dung Beetle
Rainbow scarabs are striking metallic dung beetles adorned with iridescent green, copper, and golden hues. Males feature a prominent, backward-curved horn on the head used to battle rivals over access to dung and subterranean tunnels. Working in pairs, adults bury brood balls of mammalian dung underground to create a safe nursery for their larvae.
IridescentDung BeetleDiurnal
—observations
—countries
—peak records
Least ConcernConservation statusIUCN Red List categoriesLCNTVUENCREWEXLeast ConcernRed List categories, explained →
Diet & prey
- Cattle dung
- Horse manure
- Other animal feces
Predators
- Birds
- Toads
- Small mammals
ThreatsLivestock dewormers like ivermectin, soil disruption, and pesticide use
HabitatsPastures, grasslands, open woodlands, and sandy fields
Life span1 to 2 years
Size / weightNot available
Classification
- OrderColeoptera
- FamilyScarabaeidae
- GenusPhanaeus
- Speciesphanaeus vindex
Range data is not available yet.
Interaction riskLow
- Low
- Moderate
- High
- Very high
- Why interaction risk is low
- Safe to observe at a normal distance.
Responsible observation
- Locating: Look near fresh cow or horse dung in open sunny pastures during late spring and summer.
- Observing: Watch for their active tunneling behavior around manure piles on warm afternoons.
- Handling: Allow them to crawl on open hands, but take care as their strong legs push firmly against skin.
Co-occurring Scarab (c) John P Friel, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by John P Friel · cc-by
Co-occurring Scarab (c) Don Loarie, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Don Loarie · cc-by
Close Relative (c) Scott Holt, some rights reserved (CC BY-SA), uploaded by Scott Holt · cc-by-sa
Close Relative (c) Laura Gaudette, some rights reserved (CC BY), uploaded by Laura Gaudette · cc-by
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