Without this natural septic machine, the earth would be piled high with manure. It is amazing that the dung beetles have the ability to roll balls of dung that weight up to fifty times their own weight. Some types of dung beetles eat particular types of dung, i.e. the dung of sheep, cow, horse, and camels. Another bizarre characteristic of certain beetles is that they eat other dung beetles and their eggs as well. The life expectancy for most dung beetles range from three to five years, with the longest lifelines for those kept in captivity.
Rollers succeed more in tropical areas.
These beetles roll either sheep or rabbit dung into their burrows. These beetles are most active in winter and hibernate throughout the summer months while living underground. There is a separation of household duties among these beetles. The female does the digging while the male collects the dung. The collected dung is then carefully placed in the underground home by the female.