Amazonian Purple Warrior Scarab

Coprophanaeus lancifer

This large and impressive scarab beetle is found widely across the Amazon Basin. The species is particularly active at dusk when the contrast in colour between the black horn and the blue body is enhanced and helps individuals to recognise others of the same species. Although belonging to a group of scarab beetles which mainly consume dung, this and related species have switched to feeding on dead animals. The toothed, blade-like area at the front of the head and the serrated front legs are thought to help in breaking up tough carrion.

Collector: Darren Mann
Peru, around 2010

Natural history museum curators and collections managers may collect new specimens to fill gaps in collections to help answer scientific questions. Darren Mann worked as an entomologist in the Museum’s Life Collections, and specialises in the study of beetles, or Coleoptera. During his time at the Museum, Mann collected many tens of thousands of beetle specimens to add to the insect collections.