DUNG BEETLE, the common name of many coleopterous insects of the tribe scant baides, which feed upon the dung of animals, and for the most part live in it. They are found in all parts of the world. Many of them belong to the section of scarabs des called coprophagi (Gr. dung-eaters); but others, as the or SlIARD-BORN BEETLE (geotrupes stercorarius), to the section called arenicoli (Lat. sand-dwelling), distinguished by peculiarities in the autennm, mandibles, etc. Neither section, however, consists exclusively of insects entitled from their habits to be called dung beetles, some of the coprophagi feeding chiefly on marine vegetables in a state of putrescence, and some of the arenicoli on the roots of plants. The DOR is one of the most common British beetles; it is of a stout form, less than an inch long; black, with brilliant metallic and blue reflections on the under surface; it may often be heard droning through the air towards the close of the summer twilight, and finds its way with rapidity and certainty to cow-dung, on which it feeds, and under which it burrows, making a large cylindrical hole, often of considerable depth, and depositing therein its eggs, enveloped in a mass of dung. These habits—more or less modified are shared by many other species, which thus not only hasten the removal of what would otherwise become offensive on the surface of the ground, but even distribute it in the soil, where it affords nourishment to plants.—The sacred beetle or scarabmus (q.v.) of the Egyptians (scarabazus sacer, or
ateuchus sacer of modern entomologists) is a true D. B., one of the coprophagi, in size and color much resembling the dor. It is found not only in Egypt, but in the s. of Europe and w. of Asia, and deposits its eggs in dung, which it rolls into little balls for the purpose. A nearly allied insect (gynawpleuruspilularius), a native of North America, is known as the TUMBLE-DUNG BEETLE, from its habit of rolling globular pellets of dung to the place where they are to be buried in the earth. Several individuals sometimes combine their strength in this curiqus operation, which is performed by the hind-feet pushing backwards.—The dor, and some other dung beetles, simulate death to deceive their enemies when they apprehend danger, not, like many insects, by contracting their bodies as much as possible, and drawing in their legs, but by stretching every part out to the utmost, and rigidly fixing themselves in that position. Crows and other birds arc supposed to prefer them in a living state.