Rolling with the Dung Beetle

The Dung Beetle species (Scarabaeinae) is a type of beetle with a quirky behavior and diet. They primarily feed on feces. They are a part of a family of beetle called Scarabaeidae or scarabs. Scarabs typically have an oval stout build with clubbed antennae, these traits are present in the Dung Beetle (MDC). They have wings called an Elytra which is a trait of many other beetle species. They are quite small, ranging from half an inch to 2 and a half inches (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance).

Often recognized for their behavior, the Dung Beetle is overlooked for some of its anatomical traits. Their hind legs are attached further back than most beetles and have a broad head (MDC). The pronotum is the exoskeleton plate on top of its head and is wide to shield the surface area of the broad head (MDC). Males have protrusions or horns. They come mostly in dull black but sometimes shiny black. Some can even come in metallic green or copper (MDC). The larvae of these beetles are whitish. The hind legs being far back is no mistake, it is the reason they are so good at their unique behavior.

They will find a heap of dung and use their shovel-like head and paddle-like antennae to roll it into a ball (Brittanica). The dung will most likely belong to a herbivore but they will also eat fungi and carrion. They prefer herbivores as they don't digest food as efficiently and have more of the foul-smelling liquid that the beetles feed on. Then, it will use its hind legs to roll the ball of foul-smelling waste to a safe spot. In the summer these beetles will bury themselves into the ball and feed on it. Later in the season after mating, the female will lay eggs into the dung so that the larvae have a source of food without competition. The eggs are typically laid during the rainy season so that the ball stays moist, and the sustaining liquid doesn't dry out (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance). They grow and live up to 3 years with the emergence from infant to adult varying from 1 month to the entire lifetime. They lay 3-20 eggs (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance).

The Egyptians gave the Dung Beetle a high position in its mythological system. Ancient Egyptians believed that a large Dung Beetle kept the world turning like it does its poop ball. They associated this species with Khepri, God of the Rising Sun (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

They are found on all continents except for Antarctica. On these continents, they thrive in farmland, forest, grassland, prairie, and desert habitats (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance). Its predators are mostly birds in the same habitat.

It's good that they are found around the world as they are very beneficial to society. By burying and removing dung they loosen up the soil and control fly populations. The cattle industry in the US alone save millions of dollars thanks to the work of the Dung Beetle (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance).

Sources

• https://mdc.mo.gov/discover-nature/field-guide/dung-beetles-tumblebugs (MDC)

• https://animals.sandiegozoo.org/animals/dung-beetle (San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance)

• https://www.britannica.com/animal/dung-beetle (Britannica)