krokhorndyvel
Onthophagus fracticornis
The krokhorndyvel (Onthophagus fracticornis) is a distinctive dung beetle characterized by its fractured or broken-appearing horn structures on the male's head and pronotum. This medium-sized scarab plays a crucial ecological role as a decomposer, processing mammalian dung and contributing to nutrient cycling in its ecosystem.
40
Countries
Taxonomy & Classification
Kingdom
Animalia
Phylum
Arthropoda
Class
Insecta
Order
Coleoptera
Family
Scarabaeidae
Genus
Onthophagus
krokhorndyvel belongs to the family Scarabaeidae, order Coleoptera, within the Insecta class.
Species Profile
The krokhorndyvel (Onthophagus fracticornis) is a distinctive dung beetle characterized by its fractured or broken-appearing horn structures on the male's head and pronotum. This medium-sized scarab plays a crucial ecological role as a decomposer, processing mammalian dung and contributing to nutrient cycling in its ecosystem.
The krokhorndyvel (Onthophagus fracticornis) is declining primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its specialized ecological requirements and small population size, making it susceptible to local extinctions from environmental changes.
Key Facts
Habitat & Distribution
This species inhabits open grasslands and savanna ecosystems where large herbivorous mammals congregate, particularly areas with sandy or well-draining soils suitable for underground nesting. It shows strong preference for regions with consistent dung availability from native ungulates and traditional extensive grazing systems.
Threats
IUCN Red List: Endangered
The krokhorndyvel (Onthophagus fracticornis) is declining primarily due to habitat loss from agricultural intensification and urban development in its limited range. The species is particularly vulnerable due to its specialized ecological requirements and small population size, making it susceptible to local extinctions from environmental changes.
Habitat loss and fragmentation from agricultural expansion
Small population size increasing extinction risk
Urban development and infrastructure projects
Agricultural intensification and pesticide use
Climate change affecting suitable habitat
Found in 40 Countries
Community Sightings
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Sources & Attribution
How to Cite
IUCN: IUCN (2025). The IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. Version 2025-1. Available at: https://www.iucnredlist.org. doi:10.2305/IUCN.UK.2025-1.RLTS
GBIF: GBIF.org (2025). GBIF Home Page. Available at: https://www.gbif.org
This page: SpeciesRadar (2025). krokhorndyvel (Onthophagus fracticornis). SpeciesRadar: Intelligence for Earth's Biodiversity. Available at: https://speciesradar.org/species/krokhorndyvel