What is so Special About Dung Beetles?

Have you ever stopped to think about the incredible world of dung beetles? These small creatures play a vital role in our ecosystem, yet many people are unaware of the fascinating characteristics that make them so special.

One of the most fascinating aspects of dung beetles is their diverse behaviours and adaptations. From rolling dung balls to tunneling underground, these insects have evolved a wide range of strategies for dealing with waste. Some species even use dung balls as a food source or a place to lay their eggs.

The importance of dung beetles in our ecosystem

Ecologist, farmer and TV presenter, Dr Sarah Beynon explains why the dung beetle is essential to our planet’s ecosystem, and highlights the dangers of using toxic chemicals.

"I am farmer, horse owner and scientist. My research looks at beneficial invertebrates in agriculture, and how we can get them to work for us. One of my main areas of research is into the dung beetle."

"Dung beetles are nature’s recyclers. They feed on and bury dung. They clear our pastures, and by doing that they can save just the UK cattle industry 367 million pounds a year. What’s exciting for us as farmers and horse owners is that if we look after our dung beetles we can get them to save us even more money and time.

"Dung beetles, however, are not doing their job as well as they could be, and the main reason for this is the over use of pharmaceutical wormers. So we give our horses, our cattle, our sheep, chemicals to control their internal parasites as well as external parasites like flies.

"Those chemicals often go straight into the dung where the dung beetles consume them, and they can kill the dung beetles, or make them less efficient.

"One of the ways that we can look after our dung beetles is to reduce the amount of pharmaceutical wormers we use and look at alternatives." 

A vital role to play in our ecosystem

Dung beetles may not be the most glamorous insects, but they serve a crucial function in nature. These beetles help to break down and recycle animal waste, which in turn improves soil quality and reduces the spread of disease. Without dung beetles, our environment would be overwhelmed with waste.

How do dung beetles navigate?

One of the most remarkable abilities of dung beetles is their navigation skills. These insects are able to detect the Earth's magnetic field and use it to orient themselves. This unique ability allows dung beetles to roll their dung balls in a straight line, even on moonless nights.

Why are dung beetles so strong?

Despite their small size, dung beetles are incredibly strong. In fact, they are among the strongest animals on Earth relative to their size. Dung beetles can roll dung balls that are up to 50 times their own weight, thanks to their powerful muscles and specialised adaptations.

How can we manage parasites in our livestock without chemicals?

There are ways of reducing the amount of pharmaceutical wormers that you use, whether it be poo picking, rotational grazing or using herbal alternatives, like Verm-X.

We all love our animals. But if we thought a little bit more about what we put into them, it would benefit their health and it would also benefit the environment. 

Next time you see a dung beetle, take a moment to appreciate the incredible abilities and important role that these small creatures play in our world. Despite their humble appearance, dung beetles are truly remarkable creatures that deserve our admiration and respect.

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