Large Copper Dung Beetle

Afrikaans name:

Photo © Steven Herbert

Kheper nigroaeneus

These dung beetles can reach a length of 3.5 cm. They are basically black but have a copper-coloured metallic sheen.

The Large Copper Dung Beetle is one of a number of species that use balls of dung for food and breeding. Only a single egg is laid in each ball! Often pairs work together to create the ball of dung with the result that their dung balls are larger than those created by single males or females.

Dung beetles are familiar to most people visiting our game parks, particularly in the north and eastern regions of South Africa. The Large Copper Dung Beetle is found in savanna and woodland.

When driving in one of our great game reserves please take care not to drive over the dung and, of course, avoid these busy little beetles that play an important part in the ecosystem.

References and further reading

Pollinators, Predators and Parasites - Author: C. Scholtz, J. Scholtz, H. De Klerk - Published: 2021 - Page: 249

Field Guide to Insects of South Africa - Author: Mike Picker, Charles Griffiths and Alan Weaving - Published: 0 - Page: 212

Dung Beetle Ecosystem Engineers

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