Onthophagus taurus, the taurus scarab, is a species of dung beetle in the genus Onthophagus and the family Scarabaeidae. Also known as the bull-headed dung beetle, it is a species that specializes in cattle dung and is widely utilized to maintain clean pastures, making it agriculturally valuable. These beetles are typically 8–10 millimetres (0.31–0.39 in) in size. The males of this species exhibit distinct characteristics: large "major" males possess long, sweeping, curved horns resembling those of a longhorn bull, while small "minor" males have tiny horns that project upward from the back of their heads. Females, on the other hand, lack horns.
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Is it venomous or poisonous?
We have no record of Bull-headed Dung Beetle being toxic, poisonous or venomous. That is not proof that it is safe. Never eat, touch or handle a wild plant, mushroom or animal on the strength of an identification; ask someone qualified.
Easily confused with
- Onthophagus illyricus
- Onthophagus verticicornis
- Onthophagus hecate
- Onthophagus striatulus
- Liatongus vertagus
- Onthophagus ovatus
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Scarabaeidae
- Genus
- Onthophagus
- Species
- Onthophagus taurus
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