10mm beetles from moth trap

[nutmeg]

I get quite a few of these beetles in my moth trap. Approx 10mm.

Not great photos - covered in debris from the trap.

Considered Aphodius sp. but not sure.





Any suggestions welcome!

[Paul mabbott]

Yes, it's a dung-beetle of Aphodius spp. I've never been sure why they're attracted to moth traps at this time of year. There are lots of them out in flight on the moors and other sheep-bearing places.

[Klaas Reißmann]

Hi,

I have never seen an Aphodius having its stripes going cross the pronotum and the head. Did you keep this one? Would be interresting to see, if the stripes is only photo technic or if it really exists and than to find out what species it is.

Regards
Klaas

[nutmeg]

Thanks Paul and Klaas.

Klaas, you've made a very good point - and I've got a feeling it's a photographic thing. I photographed the beetle in my conservatory and I think the stripes could be reflections of the roof. Not certain, but a better explanation than an unusually striped Aphodius! I'll have to see if any appear in the trap tonight and take a more careful look.

[Klaas Reißmann]

Hi,

after I read your statement I took a close look at it and you're right. It is a reflection of the roof. After I got down my hormones it is an easy thing. It is nothing but the common Aphodius rufipes. And you can see how blind a coleopterologist can be. This was the maximum blindness I could have offered for this.

Regards
Klaas

[nutmeg]

I had some in the trap last night and all were nice and shiny and stripe-free in the right places

Apologies for not noticing the reflections prior to posting!!!