The Role of Dung Beetles in Sustainable Gardening
Dung beetles are fascinating creatures who play a significant role in sustainable gardening and in ecosystems, in general. Here’s how these industrious insects contribute and why they might be of interest to a sustainable gardening enthusiast:
Soil Fertilization
Dung beetles break down animal feces, which enriches the soil with organic matter and nutrients. By burying dung, they ensure that these nutrients are distributed into the soil, improving its fertility and structure.
Soil Aeration
As dung beetles burrow and move dung underground, they aerate the soil. This process enhances water infiltration, reduces compaction, and promotes root growth for plants.
Waste Management
By efficiently recycling dung, dung beetles help maintain a clean and healthy environment, reducing the spread of pathogens and flies that thrive in animal waste.
Carbon Sequestration
Their burying activities trap organic carbon in the soil, contributing to carbon sequestration, a process that helps mitigate climate change.
Pest Control
Some dung beetles feed on larvae of pests found in dung, reducing populations of flies and other harmful insects in the garden.
Encouraging Dung Beetles in Your Garden
To attract dung beetles, consider the following sustainable practices:
Introduce Animal Manure
If you keep livestock or have pets, leaving small amounts of their dung in specific areas can provide food for dung beetles.
Avoid Harmful Chemicals
Reduce or eliminate the use of synthetic pesticides and herbicides, which can be toxic to dung beetles. Opt for organic gardening methods.
Include areas of undisturbed soil where dung beetles can burrow and thrive. Plant diverse vegetation to support a broader ecosystem.
Dung Beetles and Composting
Dung beetles complement composting efforts by breaking down organic matter and mixing it into the soil. While traditional compost piles are valuable, dung beetles can handle fresh manure and incorporate it directly, saving time and effort.
A Note on Biodiversity
Supporting dung beetles in your garden encourages biodiversity. These beetles interact with various other organisms, from microbes to plants, creating a healthier, more resilient ecosystem.
By fostering dung beetles, you not only enhance the productivity of your garden but also contribute to a sustainable and balanced environment. Would you like specific tips for integrating dung beetle-friendly practices into your gardening routine?
More Information about Dung Beetles
Dung beetles are incredibly diverse, with approximately 8,000 known species worldwide. These beetles belong to the families Scarabaeidae and Geotrupidae, with most species falling under the subfamily Scarabaeinae.
Dung beetles are found on every continent except Antarctica and play a critical ecological role in nutrient recycling, soil aeration, and seed dispersal. Their diversity is highest in tropical and subtropical regions, such as Africa, Asia, and South
Rollers:
These beetles shape dung into balls and roll them away from the dung pile.
They bury the dung balls in the ground as a food source or for laying eggs.
Example species: Scarabaeus sacer (Sacred Scarab).
Tunnelers:
Tunnelers dig burrows directly beneath or near a dung pile.
They transport dung into these burrows for feeding and nesting.
Example species: Onthophagus taurus.
Dwellers:
Dwellers live and breed directly in the dung pile without moving it.
The larvae grow within the dung.
Example species: Aphodius fossor.
Each type plays a vital role in maintaining healthy ecosystems by recycling nutrients and improving soil quality.
News About Dung Beetles
Cowboy’s Comment
Dang the dung that’s clung
©2025 Carl Scott Harker, author of
