Dung Digger

Appearance

"Phanaeus demon" can reach a length of about 10–21 millimetres. It is a highly variable species. These beetles show an erect horn recurved towards the tip. The females are smaller than the males. Dorsum is highly shining. Color is quite variable, usually brilliant green with yellow reflections or golden green or brilliant copper-red with green reflections. Elytra have fine striae, often minutely punctured. Adults are coprophagous.

Naming

*"Phanaeus demon demon" Castelnau, 1840
⤷ "Phanaeus demon excelsus" Bates, 1887
⤷ "Phanaeus demon obliquans" Bates, 1887

Distribution

This species is present in Mexico and Central America. It can be found in semidesert scrub and in open deciduous forests at an elevation of 0–900 metres above sea level.

Habitat

This species is present in Mexico and Central America. It can be found in semidesert scrub and in open deciduous forests at an elevation of 0–900 metres above sea level.