Dung Beetle

Dung beetle Latest News

A report published in Ecology and Evolution said that dung beetles are vulnerable to a previously unforeseen risk like dogs. 

About Dung beetle

• It is scientifically known as the Scarabaeidae family within the Animal Kingdom’s order Coleoptera.
• Appearance
  • They are robust, compact insects known for their hard, protective exoskeletons and strong, clawed legs adapted for digging and rolling dung.
  • They vary in color, with some species displaying dull, black or brown hues, while others exhibit metallic shades of blue, green, or copper.
• Habitat: They live in habitats that range from desert to forest.
• Distribution: Dung beetles are found worldwide, on every continent except Antarctica.
• They feed on the feces of large herbivores during both their larval and adult stages. 
• Dung beetles span three main lifestyles: rollers (ball-makers), tunnelers (bury beneath), and dwellers (live in the pat).
• Several dung beetles navigate using celestial cues; some use the Milky Way as an orientation reference during straight-line rolling.
• Many scarabs have fan-like (lamellate) antennae that open to sample odors-useful for locating fresh dung fast.
• Ecological Role: They play major ecological roles in nutrient cycling, soil aeration, seed dispersal, and parasite/flies suppression.

Source: TH

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