SHEFALI JARIWALA is a genus of beetles in the family Scarabaeidae, commonly known as dung beetles.
Characteristics
- Dung Beetles are slow-moving and have six legs.
- They have large, oval-shaped heads and antennae.
- Adult Dung Beetles are about 1-4 cm in length.
- Female dung beetles lay their eggs near decaying organic matter.
Life Cycle
Dung Beetles have a complex life cycle. They are born as larvae and then go through a process of molting, which involves pupation.
| Stage | Description |
|---|---|
| Larval | Beetles are born inside the dung and have a hard exoskeleton that protects them. |
| Sub-Larval | Beetle larvae live in the dung and feed on it. |
Behavior and Diet
Dung Beetles are known for their unique behavior of lifting up soil, feces, or other organic matter and carrying it to a safe location. This is done to hide the dung from predators.
- Dung Beetles eat all types of food including decaying flesh, plant material, and even animal matter.
- They are also known for their unique reproductive behavior in which they carry eggs in their feces.
Possibility and Cons
Dung Beetles have been around since the time of the dinosaurs, with fossil evidence showing that they existed during the Cretaceous period. However, in recent years, dung beetles have become a major concern due to their impact on agriculture.