Copiphora gorgonensis is a species of dung beetle in the family Scarabaeidae. It is endemic to Madagascar.
Description
The adult Copiphora gorgonensis measures 8–10 mm in length and 4–5 mm in width. The body is black with a brownish tinge and covered in fine hairs. The head is slightly narrower than the pronotum, which is itself narrower than the elytra. The antennae are short, clubbed, and black. The legs are dark brown and covered in sparse hairs. Males have larger mandibles than females.
Ecology
This species is found only on the island of Madagascar, where it inhabits primary rainforests at elevations between sea level and 1,000 m above sea level. Adults feed primarily on dung, though they will also eat carrion and decaying vegetation if necessary. They are nocturnal animals that are most active during the wet season (November to April). Females lay their eggs in balls of dung, which they then bury underground using their hind legs. After hatching, the larvae remain inside the ball of dung until they pupate; this process takes approximately three months.