Phanaeus, the rainbow scarabs, is a genus of true dung beetles in the family Scarabaeidae (scarab beetles), ranging from the United States to northern Argentina, with the highest species richness in Mexico. Depending on species, they can inhabit a wide range of habitats, from tropical to temperate climates and deserts to rainforests. In those living in relatively arid places adults are primarily active during the wet season and those living in relatively cold places are primarily active during the summer. They are excellent diggers and good fliers.

They are up to about 2.5 cm (1 in) long and most (but not all) species have bright metallic colors with males having a horn on their head and/or one or two spikes on the pronotum. Males of several species occur in two distinct morphs, referred to as "major" and "minor", that differ in body size and size/presence of horn/spikes.

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