# Philolithus elatus Philolithus elatus is a special type of insect known for its bright colors and unique patterns. These little creatures can often be found in gardens and forests, where they help pollinate flowers. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Habitat:** Gardens and forests ![Philolithus elatus](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Philolithus_elatus_220675613.jpg&width=800) Photo: Tom Kennedy, CC BY 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Philolithus_elatus_220675613.jpg) ## Appearance The Philolithus elatus is a robust, medium-sized beetle, typically appearing glossy black with a subtle metallic sheen. It possesses a broad body and powerful, spiny legs perfectly adapted for digging. Its overall form is compact and strong. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Tenebrionidae - **Genus:** Philolithus ## Interesting facts - Ancient Egyptians revered dung beetles as a symbol of rebirth and the sun! - Baby Philolithus elatus beetles grow up inside a ball of poop! - Dung beetles like this help keep pastures clean and healthy. - This beetle can roll a dung ball many times its own weight! ## Special abilities - **Dung Architect:** Philolithus elatus can skillfully roll perfect balls of dung because of its powerful legs, which helps it transport food. - **Burrow Master:** Philolithus elatus can dig deep burrows underground using its strong forelegs, which helps them hide their dung and eggs. - **Scent Seeker:** Philolithus elatus can find fresh animal droppings from far away thanks to its sensitive antennae, helping it locate food quickly. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 30-50 mm - **Size:** 15-25 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-90 days - **Flight Speed:** 10 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding This beetle eats animal dung, helping to recycle nutrients back into the soil. - **Primary Foods:** cow dung, horse dung, deer droppings, other herbivore feces - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Depends on:** [Cattle](https://www.snappit.app/explore/cattle) (*Bos taurus*) — as a primary food source - **Depends on:** [Horse](https://www.snappit.app/explore/horse) (*Equus caballus*) — as a valuable food source - **Eaten by:** Wild Turkey (*Meleagris gallopavo*) — provides a tasty snack - **Eaten by:** [Coyote](https://www.snappit.app/explore/coyote) (*Canis latrans*) — becomes part of their diet ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Keystone Species](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/keystone-species): Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always watch insects from a distance and don't touch them, as some can be delicate. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Philolithus elatus? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### What is Philolithus elatus's wingspan? 30-50 mm ### How big is Philolithus elatus? 15-25 mm ### How long does Philolithus elatus live? 30-90 days ### How fast can Philolithus elatus fly? 10 km/h ### What does Philolithus elatus eat? This beetle eats animal dung, helping to recycle nutrients back into the soil. ### Where is Philolithus elatus usually found? Gardens and forests ### How does Philolithus elatus hunt? Foraging ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Philolithus elatus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/philolithus-elatus)