One of the most impressive little dung beetles in the world, not because of its size—it’s barely over half a centimeter long—but because of its strength, smarts, and unique lifestyle. This beetle, originally from the Mediterranean region, has now spread to parts of North America, Asia, and Australia, often introduced to help manage livestock dung in pastures.
What makes it stand out is its incredible digging ability and its role as a natural “clean-up crew.” Unlike the famous ball-rolling scarabs that push dung across the ground, the Taurus scarab is a tunneler. It buries dung directly beneath the pile, carving out chambers that become food storage for adults and nurseries for their young. This underground work doesn’t just recycle waste; it fertilizes soil, aerates the ground, and reduces pests by denying flies a chance to breed.
One of the coolest things about the Taurus scarab is its super strength. Scientists have tested these beetles and found that a male Taurus scarab can pull over 1,000 times its own body weight—that’s like a human dragging six fully loaded buses! They use this power during battles for mates and when digging tunnels. The males are especially eye-catching because they grow long, curved horns that rise from their heads, giving them a fierce, armored look. These horns are used as weapons in tunnel fights: males block entrances, wrestle intruders, and try to push each other out. But here’s the twist—not all males grow horns. Smaller males often stay hornless, and instead of fighting, they sneak around or dig side tunnels to reach females.
In the wild (and on farms), Taurus scarabs play a huge role in keeping ecosystems healthy. By quickly burying livestock dung, they reduce parasite loads and recycle nutrients back into the soil. Farmers benefit because fewer flies breed in the fields, making life easier for cattle. Their tunneling also improves soil structure, helping water soak in and plants grow stronger.
Distribution
Afghanistan
Algeria
Australia
Canada
Iran
Iraq
Morocco
New Zealand
Spain
Syria
Tunisia
Turkey
United StatesAnything we've missed?
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Terrestrial / Aquatic
Altricial / Precocial
Polygamous / Monogamous
Dimorphic (size) / Monomorphic
Active: Diurnal / Nocturnal
Social behavior: Solitary / Pack / Herd
Diet: Carnivore / Coprophagous/ Omnivore / Piscivorous / Insectivore
Migratory: Yes / No
Domesticated: Yes / No
Dangerous: Yes / No
