Minotaur Beetle

Minotaur Beetle Facts

Size	0.6-0.9 in (15-24 mm)
Speed	Unknown
Weight	Unknown
Lifespan	2-3 years
Food	Dung
Predators	Birds, snakes
Habitat	Europe, northern Africa
Order	Beetles
Suborder	Polyphaga
Family	Earth-boring dung beetles
Scientific name	Typhaeus typhoeus
Characteristics	Strong grooves, males have horns

The minotaur beetle belongs to the family of earth-boring dung beetles. This shiny, black beetle might not be the monster from Greek mythology but it gets its scientific name from the monster Typhon, a giant with a hundred dragon or snake heads.

Favorite Animals: Rabbits, Sheep, Deer

Minotaur beetles are fans of rabbit, sheep and deer droppings.

Minotaur Beetle Minotaur Beetle - Photo: Marek R. Swadzba/Shutterstock

Males have Horns

It’s very easy to tell the males and females apart. The males have a kind of antlers, or horn-like growths protruding from their neck plate.

Minotaur Beetles under Protection

Earth-boring dung beetles are not endangered. But minotaur beetles have become rare in Germany, so have been placed under environmental protection.

Where are they then?

Unlike the dor beetle, the minotaur beetle is a rare sight. The entrances to their tunnel systems are, however, easy to see. These are small, round openings of around 0.4 inch (1 cm) in diameter.

Minotaur Beetle Minotaur Beetle - Photo: Marek R. Swadzba/Shutterstock