The scarab beetle subfamily Scarabaeinae consists of species collectively called true dung beetles. Most of the beetles of this subfamily feed exclusively on dung. However, some may feed on decomposing matter including carrion, decaying fruits and fungi. Dung beetles can be placed into three structural guilds based on their method of dung processing namely rollers (telecoprids), dwellers (endocoprids) and tunnelers (paracoprids). Dung removal and burial by dung beetles result in ecological benefits such as soil aeration and fertilization; improved nutrient cycling and uptake by plants, increase in Pasture quality, biological control of pest flies and intestinal parasites and secondary seed dispersal. Well-known members include the genera Scarabaeus and Sisyphus, and Phanaeus vindex.
Aphodiinae is a subfamily of the scarab beetle family, Scarabaeidae. Members of this subfamily are known commonly as the small dung beetles and many, but not all, are dung beetles. These beetles are found worldwide.
Scarabaeus sacer, common name sacred scarab, is the type species of the genus Scarabaeus and the family Scarabaeidae. This dung beetle is native of southern Europe, northern Africa and western Asia, and it was venerated in ancient Egypt.
Onitis is a genus of Scarabaeidae or scarab beetles in the superfamily Scarabaeoidea and typical of the tribe Onitini. This genus is mainly distributed in Africa, Palaearctic and Oriental region with more than 140 species from the Afrotropical region. All species of this genus are tunnellers meaning they build tunnel under the dung in the soil and bring dung in the tunnel to lay eggs.
Onthophagus is a genus of dung beetles in the Onthophagini tribe of the wider scarab beetle family, Scarabaeidae. It is the most species-rich and widespread genus in the subfamily Scarabaeinae, with a global distribution.
Cartwrightia cartwrighti is a species of aphodiine scarab found in South America. Oscar L. Cartwright named the species in 1967 after his brother. C. cartwrighti has been recorded in cow dung in pastures and forests.
Onitis alexis, the bronze dung beetle, is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is endemic to Africa, Syria, Spain, Tunisia and Greece. It was introduced into Australia and is established in the warmer regions of northern Australia. The species is found in Oceania.
Onthophagus unifasciatus, is a species of true dung beetle native to India and Sri Lanka.
Apogonia blanchardi, is a species of dung beetle found in India and Sri Lanka.
Schizonycha ruficollis, is a species of dung beetle found in India and Sri Lanka.
Delopleurus parvus, is a species of dung beetle found in India, Sri Lanka and Nepal.
Gymnopleurus sericeifrons is a species of dung beetle found in Afro-tropical countries such as Mozambique, Kenya, India and Sri Lanka.
Onitis crenatus, is a species of dung beetle found in Afro-Asian countries.
Onitis philemon is a species of dung beetle found in India, Sri Lanka, China and Taiwan.
Onitis singhalensis, is a species of dung beetle found in India, Sri Lanka, and Pakistan.
Onitis subopacus is a species of dung beetle found in Austro-Oriental, Oriental, South and West Palearctic regions.
Tibiodrepanus is a genus of dung beetles comprising seven species distributed in Oriental and Palaearctic countries.
Onitis visthara is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is only known from its type locality in the outskirts of Bengaluru in Karnataka state of India.
Onitis bhomorensis, is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is only known from its type locality near Tezpur in Assam state of India.
Onitis bordati, is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae.
