Lethrus apterus is a large black dung beetle, with a huge widened head and a large thorax. It is a stenotopic species, which is unable to fly. Lethrus apterus is a thermophilous, Ponto-Pannonian species, which has become increasingly rare due to habitat loss and destruction. It is found on heavy loam and clay soils, in which it digs an up to 45 cm deep tunnel. It feeds on young shoots of plants, including vines. The male guards and defends the tunnel and brings the female food. Despite the fact that the species has become highly localised in Europe, it can still be locally abundant when the ecological conditions are favourable. The species used to be a pest species in ancient times, causing severe damage to fields and vineyards.

The specimen on the left of the image is a male. The forked jaw is typical for the males. The female is often slightly larger and has a more brownish colour.