As promised in my post from September 10, here is some info and photos of those oh-so-important dung beetles. Dung, or scarab, beetles feed on feces. These dung beetles, seen on Cumberland island, roll dung into spherical balls, which are used for food or brooding chambers.
Dung beetles live in many different habitats, occurring on all continents except Antarctica. It can be really amusing to watch as dung beetles try to steal the dung ball of another beetle. They can roll 50 times their weight in dung!
In making a brooding ball, one male and one female will be seen around the dung ball during the rolling process. When the right spot is found, they stop and bury the ball. They mate underground, then both or one of them will prepare the brooding ball. When the ball is finished, the female lays eggs inside it. The larvae live and feed in brood balls.
If it weren't for these not-so-glamorous bugs, we would be knee deep in you-know-what. Dung beetles are an extremely important part of the ecosystem. They improve nutrient recycling and soil structure by burying and consuming dung. They also protect livestock, by removing the dung which could provide habitat for pests like flies.
These horses in the dunes on Cumberland Island are a dung beetle's best friend! The horses also appreciate them keeping the flies down as we appreciate them clearing the path for us!
Dung beetles live in many different habitats, occurring on all continents except Antarctica. It can be really amusing to watch as dung beetles try to steal the dung ball of another beetle. They can roll 50 times their weight in dung!
In making a brooding ball, one male and one female will be seen around the dung ball during the rolling process. When the right spot is found, they stop and bury the ball. They mate underground, then both or one of them will prepare the brooding ball. When the ball is finished, the female lays eggs inside it. The larvae live and feed in brood balls.
If it weren't for these not-so-glamorous bugs, we would be knee deep in you-know-what. Dung beetles are an extremely important part of the ecosystem. They improve nutrient recycling and soil structure by burying and consuming dung. They also protect livestock, by removing the dung which could provide habitat for pests like flies. 
These horses in the dunes on Cumberland Island are a dung beetle's best friend! The horses also appreciate them keeping the flies down as we appreciate them clearing the path for us! 
That's what I'm talking about! BTW great post as usual!
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