About Oxysternon conspicillatum (Weber, 1801)
Oxysternon conspicillatum (Weber, 1801) is a species of dung beetle that belongs to the family Scarabaeidae. This common and widespread beetle occurs in evergreen and semi-deciduous mesic forests, including disturbed habitats. Its range extends from near sea level up to 3,000 m (9,800 ft), covering the Amazon basin and Chocó region of tropical South America, as well as Panama; it may also reach as far west as the border area between Panama and Costa Rica. Both adult and larval O. conspicillatum primarily feed on dung, though the species has also been documented feeding on carrion. O. conspicillatum has been studied as a potential source of antimicrobial agents, and its host defense peptides may be usable in the development of new antibiotics.
