TAXONOMY

Latin Name: Phanaeus vindex Macleay, 1819

English Name: Rainbow Dung Beetles

Size:

Distribution: USA (southern states)

Known Hosts: Animal feces, dead animal, etc.

Etymology: The species name vindex is derived from a Latin word for a defender.

Comment: Adult beetles attracted to lights. It is one of seven species of Genus Phanaeus occurring in the United States, and very abundant. They can be collected throughout the year in southern states.

REARING/BREEDING

They can be reared in a plastic container filled with substrate used for scarabs, however, soil is recommended as you may have to replace as often as you cannot withstand the odor from their food sources, which is animal feces. More information will be posted separately as a rearing guide to the Rainbow Dung Beetles in the near future.