Dung Beetle Collection

Dung beetle pushing a ball of dung, Masai Mara National Reserve, Kenya, East Africa, Africa

Scarab beetles
The largest shown here, (Scarabaeus sacer), was regarded as sacred in ancient Egypt. Today the species are important to agriculture for their dung burying activities

Scarab and dung beetles: Onitis belial 1, Phanaeus ensifer 2, Copris lunaris 3, Lethrus cephalotes 4
FLO4646312 Scarab and dung beetles: Onitis belial 1, Phanaeus ensifer 2, Copris lunaris 3, Lethrus cephalotes 4, Geotrupes stercorarius 5, and Agaocephala latreillii 6

Rainbow scarab (Phanaeus vindex) male on white background. Florida, USA. Controlled conditions

Plate 12 from Insectes, pub. 1930s (pochoir print)
3328038 Plate 12 from Insectes, pub. 1930s (pochoir print) by Seguy, Emile-Allain (1877-1951); Private Collection; (add.info.: 1. Rhabdotis sobrins. Nubie; 2. Gnathocera varians. Senegal; 3)

Sacred scarab beetle, Scarabaeus sacer 1, dung beetles, Onthophagus nuchicornis 2, Coprophanaeus lancifer 3
6337462 Sacred scarab beetle, Scarabaeus sacer 1, dung beetles, Onthophagus nuchicornis 2, Coprophanaeus lancifer 3, Sulcophanaeus carnifex 4, and earth-boring dung beetle

Gentian, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)
999231 Gentian, 1833-39 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Dictionnaire pittoresque d histoire naturelle et des phenomAnes de la natureA)

Wels Catfish, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)
999711 Wels Catfish, 1833-39 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Dictionnaire pittoresque d histoire naturelle et des phenomAnes de la natureA)

Milk Vetch, 1833-39 (coloured engraving)
999082 Milk Vetch, 1833-39 (coloured engraving) by French School, (19th century); Private Collection; (add.info.: A Dictionnaire pittoresque d histoire naturelle et des phenomAnes de la natureA)

Curtis British Entomology Plate 414
Coleoptera: Copris lunaris (Lunar-headed Dung-beetle) [Plant: Chenopodium vulvaria (Chenopodium olidum, Stinking Goosefoot)] Date: 1824-39

Curtis British Entomology Plate 52
Coleoptera: Onthophagus taurus (Bull-headed Dung-beetle) [Plant: Achillea ptarmica (Sneeze-wort Yarrow)] Date: 1824-39

A Cockchafer, Beetle, Woodlice and other Insects, with a Sprig of Auricula
1217490 A Cockchafer, Beetle, Woodlice and other Insects, with a Sprig of Auricula, early 1650s (oil on copper) by Kessel, Jan van (1626-79); 8.3x12.1 cm; Ashmolean Museum, University of Oxford

The god, Khepri, 1823 (colour litho)
CHT244914 The god, Khepri, 1823 (colour litho) by Champollion, Jean Francois (1790-1832); Private Collection; (add.info.: Scarab Divinity; illustration from Pantheon Egyptien)

Dor beetle (Geotrupes stercorarius) walking over fallen leaves in a Beech forest, Morske Oko Reserve, Vihorlat Mountains, East Slovakia, Europe, June 2008

Illustration of animals above ground and in burrows

Copris fallaciosus, Kenyan dung beetle
Dung beetle specimen from the family Scarabaeidae, held at the Natural History Museum, London

Africa, Tanzania, Serengeti. A pair of dung beetles (Scarabweus pius) rolling a dung ball
Africa, Tanzania, Serengeti. A pair of dung beetles (Scarabaeus pius) rolling a dung ball. The male is below pushing the ball

Illustration of Ancient Egyptian god Kheper with scarab beetle on face

Illustration of Dung Beetle moving dung ball

Various Scarabaeus sp
Watercolour and ink from Drawings of Mandibulata Insects of India, Thomas Hardwicke Collection; 1822 Date: 1822

Africa, Tanzania, Serengeti National Park, Ndutu, Dung Beetle, Scarabaeidae; Scarabaeoidea, rolling food

Illustration of Dung beetles (Scarabaeoidea) in their underground nest with eggs laid in dung, cross-section

Dung Beetle -Scarabaeus semipunctatus- forming a ball of sheep dung, Lake Kerkini region, Greece, Europe

Dung Beetle -Scarabaeus semipunctatus- rolling a ball of sheep dung, Lake Kerkini region, Greece, Europe

Dung beetle (Scarabaeidae) rolling ball it has made out of zebra dung, Pilanesberg National Park, North West Province, South Africa, Africa

Scarab beetle, illustration Zoology, Insects, Coleoptera

Dung beetle C016 / 2146
Dung beetle (Geotrupes stercorarius). This earth-boring dung beetle (family Geotrupidae) feeds on the droppings of herbivorous animals and is found throughout Europe

Dor Beetle - Ladock Woods - Cornwall - UK
DAC-829 Dor Beetle - Ladock Woods Cornwall - UK Geotrupes stercorarius David Chapman Please note that prints are for personal display purposes only and may not be reproduced in any way

Scarabaeus rusticus, dung beetle
This species has characteristic orange red antennae and can be seen rolling a worked sphere of dung. Specimen collected on elephant dung in South Africa

Phanaeus vindex (Macleay), dung beetle
Top, lateral and underside views of a female dung beetle also called a tumble dung beetle by John Abbot

Flightless dung beetle with dung ball
Flightless dung beetle (Scarabaeus rugosus) on top of a dung ball. The dung beetles that roll dung into balls, known as rollers

Onthophagus dung beetle (Onthophagus mouhoti). This specimen is from Thailand

Phanaeus dung beetle (Phanaeus mexicanus). This beetle was named for the location (Mexico) where it was first discovered

Dung beetle rolling a dung ball, Kruger National Park, South Africa, Africa

Dung beetle road sign to discourage dung beetle roadkills, Addo National Park, South Africa, Africa

Flightless dung beetle rolling brood ball, Addo National Park, South Africa, Africa

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"Dung Beetles: Nature's Unsung Heroes" In the world of insects, few creatures are as fascinating and industrious as the dung beetle. With their unique behavior and remarkable adaptations, these scarab beetles have captured the attention of scientists and nature enthusiasts alike. One iconic image that comes to mind is that of a dung beetle pushing a ball of dung with unwavering determination. This incredible feat showcases their strength and perseverance in utilizing animal waste for survival. From the sacred scarab beetle (Scarabaeus sacer) to the rainbow scarab (Phanaeus vindex), these beetles play an essential role in maintaining ecological balance by recycling organic matter. A stunning example is seen in Plate 12 from Insectes, published in the 1930s, where a pochoir print captures the intricate details of these creatures. The controlled conditions depicted here allow us to appreciate their beauty up close – like witnessing a male rainbow scarab against a pristine white background. Diverse species such as Onthophagus nuchicornis, Coprophanaeus lancifer, Sulcophanaeus carnifex, and Geotrupes stercorarius demonstrate how different types of dung beetles contribute to this vital ecosystem service. They tirelessly bury or roll away fecal matter into underground chambers for nourishment or reproduction purposes. Even centuries ago, artists recognized their significance. Gentian’s colored engravings from 1833-39 depict various aspects of nature's wonders – including illustrations showcasing these diligent insects alongside other flora and fauna like Wels Catfish and Milk Vetch. The importance of dung beetles extends beyond mere aesthetics; they also serve as indicators for environmental health due to their sensitivity to habitat changes. Curtis British Entomology Plates 414 and 52 capture them beautifully while highlighting their ecological significance within Britain's insect population. Lastly, ancient civilizations revered them too.