The nesting behavior of Onthophagus incensus Say under controlled laboratory conditions is described. Pre-nesting lasted 45–60 days for laboratory-reared and 10–60 days for field-collected adults. Nesting period lasted 45 ± 23 days for laboratory-reared adults and 26 ± 10 days for field-collected adults. Volume and weight of the brood-masses were 7.23 ± 2.82 cm and 5.54 ± 2.03 g, respectively. Pairs of beetles built compound nests, and the quantity of food provided by the parents did not significantly influence the size of the offspring.