Each month Trail Manager, Emily Galka, highlights flora and fauna that she observes in the Goethe State Forest that surrounds the Black Prong Resort. Goethe State Forest Species of the Month: Rainbow Scarab (Phanaeus vindex)
This month’s observation wasn’t exactly on the trails, but these fabulous metallic beetles have a presence in my barn that I just can’t ignore!
First I noticed them in the water troughs one or two “doggy paddling” around, then they were in the aisle marching back and forth with manure! These absolutely gorgeous multicolored jewel tone beetles, about the size of a grape, were on a mission. I used my Seek app which promptly identified them as rainbow scarabs.
I learned that rainbow scarabs are dung beetles that live around farm animals but also can be found in forests which makes perfect sense given my location. They are sexually dimorphic, meaning the males look different from the females; most notably because the males have a rhino like horn. These beetles are known to build tunnels which they use to connect with other rainbow scarabs for a food exchange network. I have found male and female beetles in the barn and have become comfortable with picking them up. Their legs feel a little pokey, but they cannot bite and seem to appreciate being saved from the water troughs. These colorful beetles are not only beautiful to look at, but are beneficial to the environment, so I’m happy they can call my barn home.
Emily Galka (shown with her horse Lisa) is Black Prong’s Trail Riding Manager and resident naturalist.
Trail Riding team continues to grow!
Shine is a 9-year-old palomino Appaloosa mare. She is 15.1 hands and is as sweet as can be! She’s brave enough to ride out alone but doesn’t mind being in the middle of the group either.
Chili is a 14-year-old 14.2-hand Morgan who has spent most of his life as a trail horse. He is in love with Shine and will gladly be ponied off of her or just follow her down the trail wherever she goes.
