April 2025
Biodiversity

The life of a dung beetle

in Biodiversity
Share:

The life of a dung beetle

If you ever find yourself on safari and spot a small beetle doggedly rolling a ball of dung across the dirt, don’t look away—watch closely. You’re witnessing one of Africa’s most remarkable little workers in action. The dung beetle might not be much to look at, but it’s a master of survival, navigation, and environmental clean-up, all rolled into one.
These beetles spend their days tracking down fresh dung using an extraordinary sense of smell. Once they’ve found their prize, they shape it into a near-perfect sphere—sometimes up to 50 times their own weight—and start rolling. It might look random, but there’s purpose in every push. Some males even use these dung balls to attract females, showing off their strength and determination. If all goes well, they bury the ball, the female lays an egg inside, and the next generation hatches into a ready-made meal of dung.
What’s even more impressive is how they find their way. During the day, dung beetles steer using patterns of polarized light in the sky—something invisible to us, but clear as day to them. And at night? That’s when things really get incredible. Certain species actually use the Milky Way as a compass. They’ll climb on top of their dung balls, do a little orientation dance, and then set off in a straight line, guided by the stars. It’s the only known case of an insect using our galaxy to stay on course.
But it’s not all about astronomical orientation. These beetles are key players in the ecosystem. By burying dung, they return nutrients to the soil, improve its structure, and even help reduce greenhouse gases like methane. They also help control parasites by quickly removing waste from the environment. In short, they’re nature’s clean-up crew.
So next time you see one of these determined little beetles at work, give it the respect it deserves. It’s not just pushing dung—it’s playing a small but vital role in the health of our planet, all while following the stars.

Related Stories