Video: Dung beetle - habitat and lifestyle
2024 Author: Henry Conors | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-02-12 02:43
The huge diversity of the world of insects attracts naturalists and just lovers of wildlife. The dung beetle (scarab) is an interesting creature, one of the most ancient insects inhabiting our planet. They have chosen a rather unusual segment of the food chain.
Dung beetle: photo, habitat, features
A lot of herbivores live on the African continent. Many of them are quite large. For example, an elephant can eat up to a quarter of a ton of plant food per day. Most of this impressive mass naturally turns into waste. Huge heaps of manure become a haven for a variety of insects, for which they are not only a habitat, but also a source of food. One such insect is the dung beetle.
There are about six hundred species in total. Many live on the African continent. All of them are adapted to the disposal of manure heaps. This is done according to the established scheme.
Dung beetle rolls animal droppings into a small spherical ball,picking it up with the front paws. This is done fairly quickly. Because if the beetle hesitates and fiddles with one ball for a long time, then the manure will dry out (which is undesirable). A fresh heap of elephant droppings can be consumed by swarms of these insects in a very short time. This high efficiency is very useful in cattle farms. For example, dung beetles were brought to Australia specifically to cope with the waste produced in increasing quantities by local livestock.
The purpose of the balls and the breeding of beetles
A dung beetle quickly forms a ball of fresh droppings and then rolls it to a secluded spot.
His first task is to find a shaded piece of land. Sometimes it is not easy at all and the insect has to overcome more than a dozen meters. In a suitable place, the ball is buried in the ground. It will serve two purposes - food and reproduction. While the individual beetle is still young, it rolls dung balls in order to feed on them. And after reaching puberty, eggs will be laid in them. Of these, an adult dung beetle will subsequently develop. The larva, which first hatches from the egg, will feed on the contents of the ball as it grows. The female scarab, who stays in the nest most of her time, has to add extra fresh droppings to the ball.
Beetle and symbols
The black beetle with metallic-colored wings was one of the most common and revered symbols of Ancient Egypt. The inhabitants of thiscountries very carefully observed nature and the creatures inhabiting it. They noticed that dung beetles roll their balls from east to west, as if following the path of the Sun in the sky. Therefore, the scarab began to be considered a sacred insect, symbolizing the power of rebirth to life and creation. In the form of a beetle, various seals, jewelry, and amulets were made. Various sculptures and details of tomb paintings in the form of scarabs have been preserved.
Recommended:
Modern lifestyle is Man's lifestyle
What is a lifestyle? This is primarily an individual way of getting pleasure. Each person has their own goals and corresponding priorities, their own position on a particular issue, a lifestyle formed over the years, individual weaknesses and sources of energy
Bark beetle larvae: description, control methods and interesting facts
Bark beetles are a family of beetles that prefer to eat wood as food. This beetle, as a result of its vital activity, can destroy not only trees, but also harm buildings and houses made of wood. If you find bark beetle larvae or an adult in your home or suburban area, it is extremely important to immediately take measures aimed at eliminating the parasite. How to get rid of bark beetle larvae in the house?
Dung beetle, exciting life
Dung beetle - this name was given to the insect due to its addiction to manure. The insect feeds on manure, which is usually located away from its home. The family of the same name includes 4 species of beetles, namely lamellar, aphodia, geotrups, or true dung beetles, as well as scarabs
Kozheed beetle: description, stages of development, what is dangerous and how it can be removed
Surprisingly, many people have never heard of one of the most common and dangerous pests - the skin beetle. This small and very unpleasant insect lives in many houses, spoils food and furniture, but homeowners do not even know who gives them so much trouble. So, get acquainted - kozheed beetle
Crimean ground beetle: nutrition and lifestyle
One of the most beautiful and large predatory beetles is the Crimean ground beetle. This is a separate species of the Carabidae family, which was described back in the 19th century by the famous entomologist Bonelli