African black beetle larvae

Also known as the Black maize beetle. The larvae is bigger than my thumb, about 6cm long and...fat. I do try to see the beauty in all of nature, but this, nope sorry, revolting!
It was found in a pile of elephant dung which we use as fertilizer.

comments (2)

Ferdy Christant

Lion

I tried...but you're right, it's hard to appreciate beauty-wise :) Still a very interesting find though! Posted 10 years ago

travismorhardt

Lion

I particularly enjoy the sclerites (hard armor-like coverings) that show laterally. They are the round brown-orange circles along its side, very cool! Posted 10 years ago

The African Black Beetle

"Heteronychus arator" is a species of beetle in the subfamily Dynastinae. It is commonly called African black beetle or black lawn beetle. It is native to Africa and it is an introduced species in Australia and on the North Island of New Zealand.

Info 4 0

Similar species: Beetles

Species identified by Claire Hamilton