Dung beetles are a large group of beetles that feed on animal dung. By rolling, burying and breaking down dung, they recycle nutrients and keep pastures and savannas healthy, providing services worth millions of dollars to farmers.
Interesting facts
- Dung beetles are grouped as rollers, tunnellers and dwellers, depending on how they use dung.
- One species can pull more than 1,000 times its own body weight, making it one of the strongest animals for its size.
- Ancient Egyptians worshipped the scarab beetle as a symbol of the sun god Khepri.
- Australia imported dung beetles to break down cattle dung, which native beetles could not process.
- By burying dung, they fertilise soil, spread seeds and reduce flies and parasites.
- In Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa, road signs give flightless dung beetles right of way.
Behaviour
Rollers form dung into balls and roll them away in a straight line, using the sun, moon or stars to navigate. Tunnellers bury dung directly beneath the pile, and dwellers live inside dung pats.
Breeding and young
Females lay eggs in dung balls or buried dung, which provides food for the larvae. In some species, both parents care for the brood.
Threats and conservation
Veterinary drugs in livestock dung that kill beetles, habitat loss, and the decline of large wild mammals.
Where to see it
- Addo Elephant National Park, South Africa
- Kruger National Park and other African savannas
- Farmland and pastures worldwide
- Look for rolling beetles near fresh elephant or cattle dung
Status source: IUCN Red List. Profile last reviewed September 2026.
