Minotaur Beetle - Typhaeus typhoeus
I found this little fella in the Middle car park at Studland, thanks to www.natureofdorset.co.uk for the ID and the following text;
""A nocturnal burying beetle occasionally encountered by day in areas with sandy soils.""
"This is a male minotaur beetle (Typhaeus typhoeus), identified by its amazing three thoracic spines (i.e. spines coming from the thorax rather than the head like a stag beetle). The three spines are only found on the male; it may looks a bit ferocious but it is quite harmless, it's a vegetarian! These beetles are found mainly on sandy soils where they bury rabbit droppings on which both adults and larvae feed.
Not much to look at perhaps but interesting nonetheless. The male collects a dung pellet and transports it between the back of its head and its horns to the burrow where the female, without horns, takes it down under the surface. I guess those horns would be a major impediment in getting below ground?"
Minotaur Beetle - Typhaeus typhoeus
I found this little fella in the Middle car park at Studland, thanks to www.natureofdorset.co.uk for the ID and the following text;
""A nocturnal burying beetle occasionally encountered by day in areas with sandy soils.""
"This is a male minotaur beetle (Typhaeus typhoeus), identified by its amazing three thoracic spines (i.e. spines coming from the thorax rather than the head like a stag beetle). The three spines are only found on the male; it may looks a bit ferocious but it is quite harmless, it's a vegetarian! These beetles are found mainly on sandy soils where they bury rabbit droppings on which both adults and larvae feed.
Not much to look at perhaps but interesting nonetheless. The male collects a dung pellet and transports it between the back of its head and its horns to the burrow where the female, without horns, takes it down under the surface. I guess those horns would be a major impediment in getting below ground?"