About Catharsius molossus (Linnaeus, 1758)
Catharsius molossus (Linnaeus, 1758) exhibits sexual dimorphism in body size: adult females reach a length of approximately 25–35 millimetres (0.98–1.38 inches), while adult males reach about 45 millimetres (1.8 inches). The entire body of this species is black, short, and convex. The ventral side of the body is quite hairy, and males typically have a short conical horn at the center of the head. The pronotum is densely granulated, and the elytra have fine distinct striae. This species is used in traditional Chinese medicine to treat detoxification, swelling, and constipation. Catharsius molossus is one of the most widespread and abundant coprophagous species found in tropical Asian regions. Its distribution spans the Palearctic realm, including Afghanistan, Nepal, Sikkim, China, and Taiwan, as well as the Oriental realm, including India, Sri Lanka, the Andaman Islands, Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, Thailand, Malaysia, Timor, and Flores.
