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Woodland Dor Beetle
ExploreInsects
Woodland Dor Beetle
Anoplotrupes stercorosus
The Woodland Dor Beetle is a shiny black bug that helps nature by breaking down animal waste. They are often found in forests and are important for keeping the soil healthy.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Woodland Dor Beetle is a robust, rounded insect, typically 12-19mm long. It has a shiny, often iridescent metallic blue-black to violet or reddish-brown body with distinctively ridged wing covers (elytra). Its short, clubbed antennae and strong, spiny legs help it dig.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyGeotrupidaeGenusAnoplotrupes
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Adults bury dung deep underground to create nurseries for their young.
Some Dor Beetles can move objects over 1,000 times their own weight!
They are an important meal for badgers and foxes in woodlands.
They make a buzzing or squeaking sound by rubbing parts of their body!
Special abilities
Ability
Super Sniffer
Woodland Dor Beetle can find fresh dung from far away because of its super sensitive antennae that help them locate food.
Ability
Mighty Digger
Woodland Dor Beetle has powerful, spiny front legs that help them quickly burrow into soil to bury dung for their larvae.
Ability
Poop Recycler
Woodland Dor Beetle can break down animal waste because they feed on dung, helping to enrich the forest soil.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 12-19 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-730 days
- Flight Speed
- 3-8 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These amazing beetles feast on decaying plants and animal waste, helping keep our forests clean and healthy!
Age differences: Larvae feed exclusively on buried dung provided by their parents, while adults also consume fungi and rotting plant matter.
Primary Foods
- Mammal Dung
- Decaying Fungi
- Rotting Leaves
- Plant Sap
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
European Badger
Meles meles
A common prey item for badgers.
eaten by
Red Fox
Vulpes vulpes
Foxes frequently hunt them in forests.
eats
Roe Deer
Capreolus capreolus
Feeds on the dung of Roe Deer.
eats
Horse Mushroom
Agaricus arvensis
Adult beetles consume decaying mushroom parts.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Omnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet includes both plant and animal matter.
Scavenger
Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem.
Colorful
Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These beetles are harmless, but it's best to observe them without touching.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Woodland Dor Beetle's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Woodland Dor Beetle?
12-19 mm
How long does Woodland Dor Beetle live?
365-730 days
How fast can Woodland Dor Beetle fly?
3-8 km/h
What does Woodland Dor Beetle eat?
These amazing beetles feast on decaying plants and animal waste, helping keep our forests clean and healthy!
Where is Woodland Dor Beetle usually found?
Forests
How does Woodland Dor Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Woodland Dor Beetle have?
6
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