Onthophagus

One of the most fascinating groups in the dung beetle family, famous for its variety and sheer numbers. With more than 2,000 known species spread across the world, they are the champions of diversity among dung beetles. What makes Onthophagus stand out is its size and adaptability. Wherever grazing animals leave droppings, you can almost be sure an Onthophagus is nearby, rolling, burying, or sculpting dung into tiny packages for food and family. Unlike some larger dung beetles that roll big balls across the landscape, Onthophagus beetles are mostly “tunnelers.” They dig directly below or beside the dung, pulling bits underground to build brood chambers where their larvae will grow in safety. This strategy reduces competition, hides their prize from rivals, and makes them some of the most efficient recyclers of waste in nature.

One of the most striking features of many Onthophagus species is the horns. Males sprout long, curved, or antler-like horns on their heads or thoraxes in many species. These horns aren’t just decoration; they are tools for combat. Rival males often battle inside tunnels leading to females, using their horns like tiny jousting lances to push each other out of the way. This is especially cool because not all males grow the same weapons. In some species, large males sport big horns, while smaller “sneaker” males stay hornless, slipping past the fighters to reach females unnoticed. It also makes them different from many other dung beetles, which rarely show such dramatic differences in appearance between individuals of the same sex.

Their role in the ecosystem is another thing that makes them stand out. These beetles fertilize soil by tunneling directly under dung, improve water flow, and help seeds germinate. In pastures, they’re heroes—burying cow dung quickly so flies can’t breed in it, reducing livestock pests. Some species even have a knack for finding the dung of particular animals, following unique chemical smells that only they can detect.