Insects World

 Rainbow Scarab

Scientific Classification

Scientific Name  - Phanaeus vindex

Domain                - Eukaryota

Kingdom              - Animalia

Phylum                 - Arthropoda

Class                     - Insecta

Order                   - Coleoptera

Family                 - Scarabaeidae

Genus                  - Phanaeus

Species                - P.vindex

Although most dung beetles are dull black, the rainbow scarab is a living jewel of bright metallic green and copper. They are large, stocky, and strong. Males have a backward - pointing horn on the top of the head. Unlike many other dung beetles, this species buries it's dung ball beneath the mass of poop, instead of rolling it away from the pile. It has distinctive orange antennae with leaflike plates that can be pressed together or fanned apart, and a single spur just above the " foot " of the hind legs. Despite their striking appearance, rainbow scarab are rarely seen, even though they are fairly common.

The rainbow scarab is native to and found extensively, in the eastern United States from Massachusetts to South Dakota in the North and Texas to Florida in the South. The Florida keys and the Everglades are the only regions in Florida where the rainbow scarab has not been found. The adults are bulky, with an oval or elongate shape. From the top of the head to the back of the abdomen, males and females are about 1 to 2.2cm long. They have lamellate antennae.

Rainbow scarab are generally not harmful to humans, although they can fly around and be a nuisance. However, they can cause damage to plants and gardens.

This species, like other dung beetles, is not a pest, and plays on important role in reducing waste in the environment. The rainbow scarab beetle is a natural composter, bringing nutrients from our cow pies into soil and reducing nutrient run off. The benefits of the beetle's existence are well-known in conservation because they help reduce damage created by large quantities of dung left behind by ruminants.

😊😊😊