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Dung beetle: meaning, definitions and examples

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dung beetle

[ dʌŋ ˈbiːt(ə)l ]

Noun

^{Context #1 | Noun}

insect

A dung beetle is a type of insect that feeds on feces. They are known for their habit of rolling dung into round balls, which are used as food or as a place to lay eggs.

Synonyms

scarab beetle, tumblebug.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
dung beetle	Generally used in scientific or educational contexts to refer to beetles that feed on dung. Dung beetles play an important role in recycling nutrients back into the soil
scarab beetle	Often used in historical or cultural contexts, especially when referring to ancient Egypt where the scarab beetle was considered a symbol of regeneration and rebirth. The scarab beetle was a significant symbol in Ancient Egyptian culture and was often depicted in their art and jewelry
tumblebug	Commonly used in more casual or colloquial contexts, particularly in rural or farming communities in North America. Kids in the countryside love watching tumblebugs roll balls of dung across the ground

Word

Description / Examples

dung beetle

Generally used in scientific or educational contexts to refer to beetles that feed on dung.

Dung beetles play an important role in recycling nutrients back into the soil

scarab beetle

Often used in historical or cultural contexts, especially when referring to ancient Egypt where the scarab beetle was considered a symbol of regeneration and rebirth.

The scarab beetle was a significant symbol in Ancient Egyptian culture and was often depicted in their art and jewelry

tumblebug

Commonly used in more casual or colloquial contexts, particularly in rural or farming communities in North America.

Kids in the countryside love watching tumblebugs roll balls of dung across the ground

Examples of usage

They spotted a dung beetle rolling a ball of dung across the field.
Dung beetles play an important role in recycling nutrients in the ecosystem.

Translations

Translations of the word "dung beetle" in other languages:

🇵🇹 escaravelho de esterco

🇮🇳 गोबर का कीड़ा

🇩🇪 Mistkäfer

🇮🇩 kumbang kotoran

🇺🇦 гнойовик

🇵🇱 żuk gnojowy

🇯🇵 フンコロガシ

🇫🇷 bousier

🇪🇸 escarabajo pelotero

🇹🇷 bok böceği

🇰🇷 똥벌레

🇸🇦 خنفساء الروث

🇨🇿 chrobák hnojník

🇸🇰 hnojník

🇨🇳 蜣螂

🇸🇮 gnojni hrošč

🇮🇸 taðskordýra

🇰🇿 қи қоңыз

🇬🇪 ნასუსკარი

🇦🇿 gübrə böcəyi

🇲🇽 escarabajo pelotero

Etymology

The term 'dung beetle' dates back to the early 18th century, with 'dung' referring to animal feces and 'beetle' being the name of the insect. Dung beetles have been revered in various cultures for their role in cleaning up waste and helping with soil fertility. They have been depicted in ancient Egyptian art and were associated with the sun god Ra. Today, dung beetles continue to be studied for their ecological importance and unique behaviors.