The little strongbugs of the forest floor: The Canthon luteicollis of Puyo

The roller dung beetle Canthon luteicollis (family Scarabaeidae) is native to South America. Affectionately known as “tumblebugs” these beetles are specialized rollers that spend their lives shaping, maneuvering, and transporting resource-rich dung balls across the forest floor. To move their prize, they perform a literal headstand; they face downward and push the ball backward with astonishing coordination using their powerful, elongated hind legs. They are incredibly strong, capable of transporting a ball of dung or carrion that weighs up to 10 to 30 times their own body weight. I crossed paths with this stunning, industrious little beetle while exploring the city park of Puyo, a charming town resting on the edge of the Ecuadorian Amazon rainforest.

Leave a Comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Latest posts of related arthropods

Photo taken on 19-09-2026 in Husby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings:  f16, 1/125, ISO 200.
A shining spot in the meadow: A metallic...
Photo taken on 12-09-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/30, ISO 200.
Mildew munchers and sesame seeds: Meetin...
Photo taken on 06-09-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/200, ISO 160.
Molten lava drops and sorrel feasts: Mee...
Photo taken on 05-09-2026 in Barkarby, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/100, ISO 200.
Sun-loving seed eaters: Meeting the Zabr...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Akalla, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f16, 1/50, ISO 160.
Dimpled armor and swollen bellies: Meeti...
Photo taken on 30-08-2026 in Akalla, Sweden, with the Nikon Z6-II camera and Nikon Z MC 105mm f2.8 VR S lens and following settings: f18, 1/50, ISO 160.
Chasing childhood memories: The challeng...
Scroll to Top

Would you prefer to hide close-up spider photos?
Wolisz ukryć zdjęcia pająków?
¿Ocultar fotos de arañas en primer plano?