Minor (left) and major males of Dynastes granti, the western hercules beetle.

Arizona, USA
A aphodiine dung beetle allows itself to be carried back to an Acromyrmex crassispinus nest. The biology of these beetles has not been studied, but it is possible that they breed in the ant's midden chambers.

Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Acromyrmex crassispinus carrying a live aphodiine dung beetle, for reasons we can only guess. It is possible, for example, that the beetles breed in the ant's midden chambers, helping the ants to process waste, and the adults are attractive to the ants as a way of locating a suitable nest.

Curitiba, Paraná, Brazil
Chrysina lecontei - Leconte's Scarab. Huachuca Mountains, Arizona, USA.

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Onthophagus taurus dung beetles, showing size and horn variation among males.

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Strategus Rhinocerus Beetles, female (left) and male.  Tucson, Arizona, USA.

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Martineziana dutertrei is a small scarab beetle that lives in fire ant mounds.

Austin, Texas, USA
Martineziana dutertrei is a small scarab beetle that lives in fire ant mounds.

Austin, Texas, USA
The full rack of a large male Onthophagus taurus dung beetle.

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The full rack of a large male Onthophagus taurus dung beetle.

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The full rack of a large male Onthophagus taurus dung beetle.

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The full rack of a large male Onthophagus taurus dung beetle.

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See photo in original gallery.
all images and text © Alex Wild 2001-2013