# Scarab Beetle (*Gyronotus perissinottoi*) Scarab Beetles are special bugs that were considered sacred in ancient Egypt. They have shiny bodies and roll balls of dung to lay their eggs in! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Rare - **Danger:** 2/5 · Low - **Habitat:** Grasslands and forests ![Scarab Beetle](https://res.cloudinary.com/drieglelr/image/upload/v1771426400/objects/5562.jpg) ## Appearance The Scarab Beetle has a robust, often oval-shaped body, typically dark and iridescent green, blue, or black. Many species possess distinctive lamellate antennae that can fan out. Its hard, protective wing covers (elytra) give it a polished appearance. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Scarabaeidae - **Genus:** Gyronotus ## Interesting facts - A male rhinoceros beetle, a type of scarab, can lift 850 times its own weight! - Ancient Egyptians revered scarabs as sacred symbols of creation and rebirth. - Many scarabs have feathery antennae that help them smell food from far away. - Some scarab beetles can glow in the dark with amazing bioluminescence! ## Special abilities - **Super Strength:** Scarab Beetles can lift objects many times their own weight because of their powerful legs and strong exoskeletons. - **Star Navigator:** Scarab Beetles, especially dung beetles, can navigate using the light from the Milky Way because of their unique eyes. - **Armor Plating:** Scarab Beetles have a tough, chitinous exoskeleton that helps them survive impacts and protect their delicate wings. - **Eco Engineer:** Scarab Beetles can quickly break down organic matter, like dung, because of their efficient digestive systems. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 10-100 mm - **Size:** 5-60 mm - **Lifespan:** 30-180 days - **Flight Speed:** 15 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Scarab beetles eat a variety of things like decaying plants, fungi, dung, or even other insects. - **Age differences:** Larvae usually consume decaying organic matter or roots, while adults have varied diets. - **Primary Foods:** dung, decaying plants, fungi, roots, nectar, small insects - **Foraging Method:** Scavenging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [American Robin](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-robin) (*Turdus migratorius*) — A common food source for many bird species. - **Eaten by:** Striped Skunk (*Mephitis mephitis*) — Skunks often dig for scarab larvae in lawns. - **Depends on:** Domestic Cattle (*Bos taurus*) — Many dung beetles rely on their droppings for food. - **Eats:** [Corn](https://www.snappit.app/explore/corn) (*Zea mays*) — Larvae of some scarabs can feed on corn roots. ## Traits - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Ancient Lineage](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/ancient-lineage): This trait signifies organisms belonging to a very old evolutionary group with ancestors dating back millions of years. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [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. - [Armored](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/armored): Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense. - [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. - [Nocturnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/nocturnal): Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day. - [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) - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects-and-bugs) ## Safety **Danger:** 2/5 · Low Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Scarab Beetle? 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 Scarab Beetle's wingspan? 10-100 mm ### How big is Scarab Beetle? 5-60 mm ### How long does Scarab Beetle live? 30-180 days ### How fast can Scarab Beetle fly? 15 km/h ### What does Scarab Beetle eat? Scarab beetles eat a variety of things like decaying plants, fungi, dung, or even other insects. ### Where is Scarab Beetle usually found? Grasslands and forests ### How does Scarab Beetle hunt? Scavenging ## 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: [Scarab Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/scarab-beetle)