Common dung beetle vs common quaker

Aphodius pedellus compared with Orthosia cerasi

Taxonomic Classification

Rank	Common dung beetle	common quaker
Kingdom same	Animalia (Animals)	Animalia (Animals)
Phylum same	Arthropoda (Arthropods)	Arthropoda (Arthropods)
Class same	Insecta (Insects)	Insecta (Insects)
Order	Coleoptera (Beetles)	Lepidoptera (Butterflies & Moths)
Family	Scarabaeidae	Noctuidae
Genus	Aphodius	Orthosia
Species	Aphodius pedellus	Orthosia cerasi

Evolutionary Relationship

Common dung beetle and common quaker share a common ancestor at the Class level: Insecta. (Insects)

Conservation Status

Common dung beetle

LC — Least Concern

common quaker

LC — Least Concern

Physical Characteristics

Attribute	Common dung beetle	common quaker
Diet	—	—
Average Lifespan	—	—
Average Length	—	—
Average Weight	—	—

Habitat & Geographic Range

Common dung beetle

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Distributed across Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and United States.

common quaker

Habitat

Typically found in virtually all terrestrial and freshwater habitats.

Range

Distributed across Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden.

Common dung beetle

<em>Aphodius pedellus</em>, a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae, is classified as Least Concern by the IUCN Red List, indicating a stable conservation outlook across its known range. The species has been documented in Denmark, Norway, Sweden, Switzerland, and the United States, with its distribution spanning virtually all terrestrial and freshwater biome types. As a member of the Aphodiini tribe, <em>Aphodius pedellus</em> typically inhabits pastures, meadows, and woodland edges where mammalian dung is available, as dung beetles in this genus rely on feces as both a breeding medium and a food resource. These beetles play a critical role in nutrient cycling and soil aeration, breaking down organic waste and accelerating the return of nutrients to the soil. Their burrowing activity beneath dung pats enhances soil structure and improves water infiltration. <em>Aphodius pedellus</em> is part of a guild of coprophagous insects that collectively support healthy agricultural and natural ecosystems across temperate Europe and North America. Biological traits of this species remain poorly documented in the scientific literature.

common quaker

The Common Quaker, <em>Orthosia cerasi</em>, is a moth in the family Noctuidae widely distributed across northern and western Europe, with records from Belgium, Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. It is a medium-sized noctuid moth with pale brownish-gray to ochreous forewings marked by two rounded spots, the reniform and orbicular stigmata, and a subtly scalloped outer margin, displaying the understated cryptic patterning characteristic of early-spring Orthosia species. The Common Quaker is one of the earliest moths to fly in spring, typically emerging in February and March when temperatures barely rise above freezing, and is a regular visitor to light traps and sallow blossom. The species typically inhabits deciduous woodland, hedgerows, orchards, and gardens where broadleaved trees are available. The caterpillars are polyphagous, typically feeding on the foliage of oaks, hawthorns, birches, and other deciduous trees and shrubs. <em>Orthosia cerasi</em> overwinters as a pupa in the soil. It is assessed as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List given its wide distribution and abundance in suitable woodland habitats across its European range. Biological traits such as average lifespan, body size, and specific dietary preferences remain poorly documented for this species.

Shared Countries

Both species can be found in 3 countries:

🇩🇰 Denmark 🇳🇴 Norway 🇸🇪 Sweden