Rainbow Scarab

P. vindex adults are hard-bodied beetles which range from approximately 11-22 millimeters (0.4-0.9 inches) in length. They are relatively bulky and oblong. These beetles are sexually dimorphic; the males can be identified by their iridescent elytra and a large horn on their heads while females have slightly less vibrant shells and lack horns. Females also have different numbers of segments on their abdomen than males. Additionally, the ends of male abdomens raise above the elytra, however, in females, they do not. On top of this, the abdomen is distinctly colored in both sexes. Like most Phanaeus species, male rainbow scarabs can be observed in either a major morph with large horns and bodies, or a minor morph, with significantly reduced horn and body size.

Because P. vindex is a member of the Scarabaeinae sub-family, they are considered to be “true dung beetles” and feed exclusively on fecal excrement through all stages of their life cycle. While they do prefer to feed on dung from pasture animals, rainbow scarabs do sometimes feed on wild animal feces in more forestal areas. Research has shown that rainbow scarabs have certain preferences when selecting feces to feed on; they are most attracted to excrement that is considered “fragrant” or produced by organisms that have very diverse diets. They tend to consume dung from omnivores such as pigs and cows and will sometimes select herbivore dung, but they are least attracted to dung produced by carnivorous animals. P. vindex is afforded a very wide range of feces in their diet as a result of being able to occupy various habitats and soil types across seasons. Typically, however, these beetles do prefer clay soils, in contrast with other scarab beetles which may be more prevalent in sandy habitats. Larvae of all dung beetles have biting mouthparts to help consume the feces, but when dung beetles in the Scarabaeidae family reach their adult stage, they develop specialized mouthparts in addition to the biting portions. …