Dung Beetle

Dung Beetle Latest News

Scientists have discovered that dung beetles roll in remarkably straight lines—even in complete darkness by using the band of light created by our galaxy, the Milky Way.

About Dung Beetle

• The Dung Beetle, 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.
• Distribution: Dung beetles are found worldwide, on every continent except Antarctica.
• Habitat: They live in habitats that range from desert to forest.
• 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: IE

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