COLEOPTERA: Geotrupidae

Beetles classified in the family Geotrupidae are commonly called earth boring dung beetles. They excavate burrows in the soil to lay their eggs. The often provide leaf litter as the substrate for their larvae to feed upon. There are over 600 species in roughly 30 genera in this family. This one is known from central Illinois.

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Geotrupes balyi Jekel, 1865 is found in North America. Adults are most active in spring and summer (and may be attracted to lights at night). This specimen was collected by Mark DuBois in Peoria Co., Illinois.