Minotaur
Beetle Typhaeus typhoeus
(Linnaeus, 1758)  |
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spectacular Minotaur Beetle is an inhabitant of heath and
moorlands, having a thinly scattered distribution across
the UK. Most members of the Geotrupidae group
are dung feeders. They burrow underground, filling the
shafts with dung for their larvae to feed on. The males
use the long horn-like extensions on the thorax to
compete with other males for females, which only have
small points in their place. They prefer areas of short
turf, especially that grazed by Rabbits. They are
relatively common where they occur but according to the
NBN Gateway, there are only two known sites in
Nottinghamshire, but searching may reveal more around the
Dukeries area. The adults over-winter in burrows as pairs
and the best time to see this impressive beetle is on
warm/mild days from September through to March. |
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| Male photographed at
Rainworth Heath March 2024 |
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| Female
photographed at Sherwood Forest CP February 2011 |
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| Male photographed at
Sherwood Heath March 2009 |
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Burrow,
photographed at Budby Common March 2009 |
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| Male photographed at
Budby Common March 2007 |
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| Female photographed at
Budby Common March 2007 |
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