Sunday, April 22, 2012

Large Copper Dung Beetle (Kheper nigroaeneus)

Family Scarabaeidae 

These beetles are active by day where the adults cut portions of fresh dung from various animals. This is done jointly by the male and female who roll it away to be buried.

The females care for the brood when they hatch.

Males body temperature rises before fighting over females.

They are found in the north eastern regions of SA in savanna and woodland habitat.