About the Author

Guy Brunskill

Alumni Ranger

Guy worked as a ranger for Londolozi from 2017 until the end of 2021. He grew up in Durban, Kwa-Zulu Natal. From a young age he visited the bush each holiday. It was during these early years that his passion and interest was ...

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on A Glimpse Into the Life of a Dung Beetle

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This is so interesting Guy. I did not know that there are four types of dung beetles doing different tasks. It is fascinating to watch them, especially when it is at a huge rhino midden.

Thank you for sharing such an informative blog about the life of a dung beetle. Who would have imagined there are so many species and sub groupings?! I think I’ve only ever experienced the “roller “ or telecoprid, watching in amazement a rather diminished beetle pushing a humongous dung ball along his chosen path. Safaris are thought to be vehicles to capture the sights and sounds of the Big Five, nourishing the appetites of visitors longing for multiple encounters with these animals in addition to some of the Lesser Five. However, as you’ve so aptly described the life and work habits of the dung beetle, perhaps more guests will take some time to sit and observe the smaller wonders of the bush world.

Trust all is well with you and Shadrack!???

Dear Guy. I must admit I have often enjoyed watching Dung Beetles out in the Bush, but I have never STUDIED one up close. I enlarged the pic of the Dung Beetle in someone’s hand. Where are the EYES of the Dung Beetle? And those two feeler like objects coming out of the mouth, with 3 finger like things at the end, are those for pushing food into the mouth? I assume those small creatures hanging below the mouth must be the small mites? All very interesting indeed! Thank you so much. Wendy M

Loved the statue of the dung beetle at the entrance to the Founders Camp dining area. So simple and so emotive perched on top of that gigantic rock!

To the ancient Egyptians, a dung beetle rolling a dung ball was an illustrative aspect of the sun god Re moving the sun across the sky. That’s why “scarabs” (dung beetles) were seen so often in Egyptian art.
Thank you for the super photos!

Thank you for sharing this wonderful blog. Growing up in the Lowveld I have such fond memories of these beetles. I loved the way they would borough through your fingers. Being my absolute favorite, I would collect them and come home with pockets full of them. I now know I wasn’t doing them any favours by taking them away from their busy lives.
When bunched together (in a childs pocket) they make a sound that is very similar to sweet wrappers. You can imagine my poor mum’s reaction when I was asked to empty my pockets on the table!
On one of mum’s last visits to Londolozi mum bought me a small pewter statue of a dung beetle rolling its little ball. It has pride of place here at home in Australia!

Fascinating blog, Guy. Nature is truly awesome…!

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