<p> According to research, a dung beetle can roll dung up to ten times its weight. This insect plays a major role in improving soil quality. A dung beetle is also known to navigate with the help of the Milky Way or a cluster of bright stars. The insect has many such fascinating attributes, discovers K S Someswara.<br /><br />Dung beetles belong to the super family scarabaeoidea and most of them are from the sub family of scarabaeinae and aphodiinae of the family scarabaeidae. They are partly or exclusively dung feeding types. <br /><br />Dung beetles can be classified broadly into three types. They include rollers, which roll dung into balls and the same is used as a source of food. The other type is called tunnellers which source dung and bury the same. Then, there are the dwellers which neither roll nor bury dung; instead they thrive in it. <br /><br />Ecology and behaviour<br /><br />Dung beetles live in many habitats, including the desert, farmland, forest and grasslands. They do not prefer extreme cold or dry weather. They can be seen in all parts of the world except Antarctica.<br /><br />Many species also feed on mushrooms and decaying leaves and fruits. A particular type called deltochilum valgum living in Central America is a carnivorous one and pries on millipedes. These dung eaters do not drink anything because dung provides all the required nutrients for them.<br /><br />Dung beetles have a sharp sense of smell. Some smaller species attach themselves to the dung provider and wait for food. After getting hold of dung, a dung beetle rolls it and proceeds in a straight line, overcoming obstacles.<br /><br />According to research, a dung beetle can roll dung up to ten times its weight which is the equivalent of an average person carrying a load of six double-decker buses full of passengers. <br /><br />In 2003, a research team has found that African scarabaeus zamberianus species of dung beetle navigates by using polarisation pattern in moon light. <br /><br />This discovery shows that the insect makes use of polarisation pattern in moon light. A recent study says that dung beetles can navigate when only the Milky Way or a cluster of bright stars is visible. These are the only insects known to orient themselves this way.<br /><br />The rollers roll the dung ball either for food storage or for making a brood ball. The male and female beetles (one each) stay around the dung ball during the rolling process. Usually, it is the male who works and the female either hitch hikes or follows the male. <br /><br />When a spot with soft soil is found they stop and bury the material underground. After mating, both or one of them prepare the brood ball. <br /><br />When the ball is ready, females lay eggs inside and form a mass provisioning. Some of them do not leave the place and safeguard the offspring instead.<br /><br />Dung beetles go through a complete metamorphosis. The larvae live in brood balls made with dung by the parent beetles. During this stage, beetles feed on the dung in the surroundings. According to studies conducted by Jean Henri Fabre in the 19th century, dung beetles do not seek aid from others when faced with obstacles.<br /><br />Benefits and uses<br /><br />Dung beetles play a remarkable in agriculture. By burying and consuming the dung they improve the nutrient recycling and soil structure. They also protect livestock such as cattle by removing the dung, which, if left, could provide room for pests such as flies on habitats.<br /><br />This utility has been used by many countries where they have introduced these creatures for the benefit of animal husbandry. In developing countries, beetles are especially important as an adjunct for improving standards of hygiene. The American Institute of Biological Science records that their cattle herds protected with dung beetles has saved millions of dollars to the country.<br /><br />Here are some of the salient features of dung beetles.</p>.<p>* Dung beetles can live for three years.* They are mostly dark coloured and shiny metallic.<br />* They have wings with which they can fly.<br />* They have six legs which are useful for rolling dung and digging holes.<br />* On a busy night, a single dung beetle can bury 250 times of its own weight.<br />* Dung beetles are part of nature’s cleaning-up crew. <br /></p>.<p>* Dung beetles can live for three years.* They are mostly dark coloured and shiny metallic.<br />* They have wings with which they can fly.<br />* They have six legs which are useful for rolling dung and digging holes.<br />* On a busy night, a single dung beetle can bury 250 times of its own weight.<br />* Dung beetles are part of nature’s cleaning-up crew. <br />They recycle nutrients into the soil. They also bury the waste that might otherwise attract flies and other pests. <br /></p>
<p> According to research, a dung beetle can roll dung up to ten times its weight. This insect plays a major role in improving soil quality. A dung beetle is also known to navigate with the help of the Milky Way or a cluster of bright stars. The insect has many such fascinating attributes, discovers K S Someswara.<br /><br />Dung beetles belong to the super family scarabaeoidea and most of them are from the sub family of scarabaeinae and aphodiinae of the family scarabaeidae. They are partly or exclusively dung feeding types. <br /><br />Dung beetles can be classified broadly into three types. They include rollers, which roll dung into balls and the same is used as a source of food. The other type is called tunnellers which source dung and bury the same. Then, there are the dwellers which neither roll nor bury dung; instead they thrive in it. <br /><br />Ecology and behaviour<br /><br />Dung beetles live in many habitats, including the desert, farmland, forest and grasslands. They do not prefer extreme cold or dry weather. They can be seen in all parts of the world except Antarctica.<br /><br />Many species also feed on mushrooms and decaying leaves and fruits. A particular type called deltochilum valgum living in Central America is a carnivorous one and pries on millipedes. These dung eaters do not drink anything because dung provides all the required nutrients for them.<br /><br />Dung beetles have a sharp sense of smell. Some smaller species attach themselves to the dung provider and wait for food. After getting hold of dung, a dung beetle rolls it and proceeds in a straight line, overcoming obstacles.<br /><br />According to research, a dung beetle can roll dung up to ten times its weight which is the equivalent of an average person carrying a load of six double-decker buses full of passengers. <br /><br />In 2003, a research team has found that African scarabaeus zamberianus species of dung beetle navigates by using polarisation pattern in moon light. <br /><br />This discovery shows that the insect makes use of polarisation pattern in moon light. A recent study says that dung beetles can navigate when only the Milky Way or a cluster of bright stars is visible. These are the only insects known to orient themselves this way.<br /><br />The rollers roll the dung ball either for food storage or for making a brood ball. The male and female beetles (one each) stay around the dung ball during the rolling process. Usually, it is the male who works and the female either hitch hikes or follows the male. <br /><br />When a spot with soft soil is found they stop and bury the material underground. After mating, both or one of them prepare the brood ball. <br /><br />When the ball is ready, females lay eggs inside and form a mass provisioning. Some of them do not leave the place and safeguard the offspring instead.<br /><br />Dung beetles go through a complete metamorphosis. The larvae live in brood balls made with dung by the parent beetles. During this stage, beetles feed on the dung in the surroundings. According to studies conducted by Jean Henri Fabre in the 19th century, dung beetles do not seek aid from others when faced with obstacles.<br /><br />Benefits and uses<br /><br />Dung beetles play a remarkable in agriculture. By burying and consuming the dung they improve the nutrient recycling and soil structure. They also protect livestock such as cattle by removing the dung, which, if left, could provide room for pests such as flies on habitats.<br /><br />This utility has been used by many countries where they have introduced these creatures for the benefit of animal husbandry. In developing countries, beetles are especially important as an adjunct for improving standards of hygiene. The American Institute of Biological Science records that their cattle herds protected with dung beetles has saved millions of dollars to the country.<br /><br />Here are some of the salient features of dung beetles.</p>.<p>* Dung beetles can live for three years.* They are mostly dark coloured and shiny metallic.<br />* They have wings with which they can fly.<br />* They have six legs which are useful for rolling dung and digging holes.<br />* On a busy night, a single dung beetle can bury 250 times of its own weight.<br />* Dung beetles are part of nature’s cleaning-up crew. <br /></p>.<p>* Dung beetles can live for three years.* They are mostly dark coloured and shiny metallic.<br />* They have wings with which they can fly.<br />* They have six legs which are useful for rolling dung and digging holes.<br />* On a busy night, a single dung beetle can bury 250 times of its own weight.<br />* Dung beetles are part of nature’s cleaning-up crew. <br />They recycle nutrients into the soil. They also bury the waste that might otherwise attract flies and other pests. <br /></p>
