Big Testes or Big Horns? It’s One or the Other for Male Beetles

Big horns or big testes? It’s one or the other for maturing male dung beetles looking to ensure reproductive success, a new study suggests.

The finding confirms a theory that beetles have evolved in response to trade-offs between the two traits.

Males of most species either get weapons to guard their access to females or a greater shot at successful insemination when they mate.