The Wildebeest's guide to South Africa
Large Copper Dung Beetle
Afrikaans name:
Photo © Steven Herbert
Kheper nigroaeneus
These dung beetles can reach a length of 3.5 cm. They are basically black but have a copper-coloured metallic sheen.
The Large Copper Dung Beetle is one of a number of species that use balls of dung for food and breeding. Only a single egg is laid in each ball!
Dung beetles are familiar to most people visiting our game parks, particularly in the north and eastern regions of South Africa. The Large Copper Dung Beetle is found in savanna and woodland.