For the identification of insects and other fauna and flora of South Africa.

Thursday, April 18, 2013

Large Green Dung Beetle (Garreta nitens)

Family Scarabaeidae
These are a medium size dung beetle with a body length of between 13-18mm.

These are found only in the north eastern and western areas and are active by day.

The adults cut dung from a fresh pad and moulds it into a ball into which the female lay and egg.

Info: Field Guide to Insects of South Africa

2 comments:

Diane said...

I have never seen a dung beetle here, maybe we do not have them. I used to be able to watch them for hours in Zim and S.A. they always fascinated me. This one is a beautiful colour. Take care Diane

Gaelyn said...

I really like watching them cut away a dung ball. Call me weird.