Dung Beetles
Scarabaeinae
Classification
- Phylum: Arthropoda
- Subphylum: Hexapoda
- Class: Insecta
- Order: Coleoptera
- Suborder: Polyphaga
- Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea
- Family: Scarabaeidae
- Subfamily: Scarabaeinae
Pronunciation
How to pronounce Scarabaeinae: //skær.əˈbiː.ɪ.naɪ//
These audio files are automatically generated. While they are not always 100% accurate, they are a good starting point.
Images
Summary
Scarabaeinae, or true dung beetles, are a diverse subfamily of beetles known for their ecological importance in processing dung. They are classified into three guilds based on their feeding and reproductive behaviors: rollers, tunnelers, and dwellers. Their activities lead to numerous environmental benefits, making them vital for maintaining healthy ecosystems.
Physical Characteristics
Adult dung beetles have modified mouth parts adapted to feeding on dung, with an expanded clypeus covering the mouth parts. The elytra cover the wings and expose the pygidium. They vary in size from a few millimeters to several inches.
Identification Tips
Distinctive mouthparts and body shape; generally dark and robust, with a space between the middle legs for dung manipulation.
Habitat
Dung beetles are found in a variety of habitats, particularly in areas with abundant vegetation that supports mammalian dung resources.
Distribution
Approximately 850 species in about 280 genera worldwide, with diverse distribution across various ecosystems.
Diet
Primarily feed on dung; some may also consume decomposing matter such as carrion and decaying fruits.
Life Cycle
Includes egg-laying in dung, where larvae feed on the surrounding material. Undergo several instars before forming a pupa and emerging as adults after about two weeks.
Reproduction
Reproduction is facilitated by pheromones; after copulation, parents dig tunnels to lay eggs in dung, sometimes forming brood balls.
Ecosystem Role
Dung beetles contribute to soil aeration and fertilization, nutrient cycling, control of pest populations, and seed dispersal, indicating an essential role in ecosystems.
Collecting Methods
- Hand collection
- Traps baited with dung
- Pitfall traps
Preservation Methods
- Ethanol preservation
- Drying specimens
- Pinned specimens
Similar Taxa
- Other subfamilies of dung beetles
- Scarabaeidae
- Scarabaeinae tribes
Misconceptions
While all dung beetles belong to the family Scarabaeidae, not all dung beetles belong to the subfamily Scarabaeinae; other families contain dung-associated species.
Tags
- Entomology
- Scarabaeinae
- Dung Beetles
- Ecology
- Biodiversity