Dung beetle: meaning, definitions and examples
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dung beetle
[ dʌŋ ˈbiːt(ə)l ]
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
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.