Dung Beetle
ExploreInsects
Dung Beetle
Scarabaeinae
Dung Beetles are known for rolling balls of dung! They use it for food and to lay their eggs in.
Habitat: Grasslands and forests
Appearance
The Dung Beetle is a robust, typically black or brown insect, though some gleam with metallic green or blue. Many species have unique horns or ridges on their heads, especially males, making them look like tiny armored tanks.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyScarabaeidaeGenusOntherus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
2/5 · Low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Ancient Egyptians revered dung beetles, associating their dung-rolling with the sun's journey!
By burying dung, these beetles naturally help reduce fly pests and improve soil health.
Some male dung beetles use their impressive horns to wrestle rivals over mates!
They lay their eggs inside carefully crafted balls of dung, providing a perfect food nursery.
Special abilities
Ability
Super Strength
Dung Beetles can roll dung balls 50 times their own weight, helping them transport food and create nests.
Ability
Star Navigator
Dung Beetles have a unique ability to navigate by the Milky Way's light, helping them roll dung in a straight line.
Ability
Recycling Dynamo
Dung Beetles accelerate nutrient cycling by burying dung, returning vital elements to the soil for plants.
Ability
Underground Architect
Dung Beetles can dig intricate tunnels and chambers beneath dung pats to store food and lay eggs.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 10-60 mm
- Size
- 5-30 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-365 days
- Flight Speed
- 5-15 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
These amazing insects are nature's clean-up crew, feasting mainly on animal droppings!
Primary Foods
- mammal dung
- bird droppings
- decaying fungi
- rotting fruit
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
Traits
Wildlife
Wildlife encompasses all undomesticated animal and plant life existing in their natural habitats.
Social
Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Keystone Species
Describes a species whose presence and role have a disproportionately large effect on its environment.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
Scarab
Collections
Safety
Danger
2/5 · Low
Do not touch or pick up. Some insects sting or bite. Ask an adult for help.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Dung Beetle's wingspan?
10-60 mm
How big is Dung Beetle?
5-30 mm
How long does Dung Beetle live?
60-365 days
How fast can Dung Beetle fly?
5-15 km/h
What does Dung Beetle eat?
These amazing insects are nature's clean-up crew, feasting mainly on animal droppings!
Where is Dung Beetle usually found?
Grasslands and forests
How does Dung Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Dung Beetle have?
6
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