Violet Dor Beetle
Fast Facts
Latin name: Geotrupes mutator
Notable feature: This species can look superficially like more common species, however it has nine grooves (striae) along its wing cases (elytra), compared to seven in more common species.
Conservation Status: Near Threatened
Where in the UK: South of England with records from Devon, Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire, Surrey, and Cornwall, and one population in Northumberland.
Violet Dor Beetle (Geotrupes mutator) © John Walters
Violet Dor Beetle (Geotrupes mutator) is a rounded dung beetle with a metallic violet colour across its whole body, native to the UK. They are Nationally Rare on the GB Rarity Status; Near Threatened on the IUCN Red List
The species is associated with cattle, sheep, and pony dung, and is found across moorland sites, unimproved pastures, and coastal grasslands.
Dartmoor is not only a nationally important site for dung beetles but it is also internationally important, holding one of the most diverse populations of dung beetles in northern Europe
- Size: 15 – 25 mm
- Life span: Possibly 2 years
- Diet: Both the adults and the larvae feed on the dung of either cattle, ponies, or sheep.
- Reproduction: The adult beetle digs a tunnel beneath dung around 30cm in length, which it stocks with more dung for the development of its larvae.
- When to see: Adults can be seen between March and October.
- Population Trend: Previously considered widespread in England, but since 1990 only 13 locations have produced records of the species.
- Threats: Changes in grassland management such as the addition of fertilisers, or changes in livestock grazes. Changes from a traditional three animal grazing system, reduces the availability of dung. The treatment of livestock with endectocides is also a concern.
- Interesting Fact: The Geotrupidae beetles are often attracted to light during the hours of darkness and as a result are sometimes caught in light traps used by moth recorders.
How you can help:
Think you’ve seen a Violet Dor Beetle? Send any records/sightings to the British Scarab Recording Scheme via the iRecord app.
Meanwhile, Buglife continues to work to increase awareness of invertebrates and support nature’s recovery through our projects and campaigns, and to do that we need your help! We rely on donations to be able to continue our work. To support Buglife, you can join the Buglife community, make a donation, or even purchase from our shop. For more ideas on how to support our work, find out how to get involved. Thank you 🕷
You might also be interested in