The Geotrupidae family is composed of eight species which are divided into five Genera. These are Anoplotrupes, Geotrupes, Odonteus, Trypocopris and Typhaeus.
One species, Odonteus armiger feeds on fungi, the others feed on dung. These excavate vertical burrows directly below a dung pile and drag a small portion of dung down into a brood chamber in which the eggs are laid.The excavated soil and tunnel holes, which can measure up to 20mm in diameter, can often be seen underneath or next to dung piles. Sometimes they are referred to as Dor beetles, Lousy Watchmen or Dumbledors.
Geotrupidae can be attracted to light during the hours of darkness and as a result are sometimes caught in light traps used by moth recorders.
Click here to download the British Scarabs Geotrupidae identification sheet.
stercorosus
pyrenaeus
mutator
vernalis
spiniger
typhoeus
stercorarius
armiger
British Scarabs 