Dung Beetles

We have over 350 native species of dung beetle in Australia, and about 22 species that have been introduced and become established. Dung beetles have been introduced into Australia from places like Mexico, Spain and South Africa.

They were brought in to help native dung beetles cope with the management of large amounts of cow dung, and to reduce numbers of dung-feeding flies. In the urban environment dung beetles are also invaluable when it comes to cleaning up dog poo.

Dung beetles are members of the scarab family (Scarabaeidae). There are thousands of species and they occur wherever dung is found. Some species roll the dung into a ball. The eggs are then laid in the ball, and when the larvae hatch they have a ready food supply. Other species dig burrows under or near the dung, and drag dung down into the burrows as needed.

Dung beetles live all over the country, in every major habitat type from the tops of mountains down to sand dunes. It's also very likely that there are a few native or introduced dung beetles enriching the soil and helping to clean up every Australian backyard.

In our segment, John Dengate spoke to entomologist Dr Chris Reid, who has been studying dung beetles for several years. To find out more about the beetles, Chris catches them in simple traps baited with dung. Once the trapped beetles are identified, information is compiled about dung beetle distribution and population numbers. The dung beetles are used as an indicator species to measure and compare genetic diversity in survey areas.

Contact information:

Dr Chris Reid
Entomologist
Australian Museum
6 College St
Sydney, NSW
Phone: (02) 9320 6000

Dr. Penny Edwards
PO Box 865
Maleny 4552
email: pbe@aapt.net.au

The Australian Museum runs a community program called Dung Beetle Mania. The program encourages community groups and schools in NSW to find out about dung beetle populations in their area. For more information please contact: Fara Pelarek. Phone: (02) 9320 6165

Dung Beetle distributors:

John Feehan
Soilcam
3 Prell Place
Hackett, ACT, 2602
Phone: (02) 6248 0376
(John distributes dung beetles Australia-wide to assist with the management of cattle dung.)

Poo-llution Solutions
24 Bar Beach Ave
Bar Beach, NSW, 2300
Phone: (02) 4927 1140
(This company sells Spanish dung beetles that assist with the management of dog poo.)

Copyright CTC Productions 2001