- Have you found some
dung beetles on your property? - Are you trying to identify what species they are?
John supplies a free identification service to farmers to assist you in identifying introduced and native Dung Beetle species found on your property.
By Anne Bowman, from A hard-earned pat for a true digger, Australian Geographic Iss.36 Oct
To assist John in the process for identifying your beetles, follow the steps below:
Collect the Dung Beetles
- Select dung pads which have a margin of fresh soil around them.
- Approach the dung pads quietly so that the beetles do not crash dive down their tunnels.
- Use a long-handled shovel to scoop up the dung and 2cm of soil underneath the dung pad
- Place soil, grass and dung into a bucket.
- Fill the bucket with cold water and stir gently.
- Collect beetles as they float to the surface.
- Kill the beetles in hot water.
- Dry beetles for two days on newspaper (out of direct sunlight).
- Select approximately 3 beetles of each different species.
- Place beetles into a match box without cotton wool and without sticky tape.
Send the sample to SOILCAM
SOILCAM – Free Identification Service
Mr John Feehan
3 Prell Place
HACKETT ACT 2602
The sample must be accompanied by the following information:
- Your name
- Your postal address
- Your telephone number
- a road map clearly showing the location of your property in relation to the largest nearby towns.
To facilitate this free service, it would be appreciated if you would provide a stamped self-addressed envelope.
What you’ll receive
You will receive a list of:
- the identified CSIRO-introduced species present on your farm;
- additional introduced dung beetle species suitable for your climate; and
- a list of those species which SOILCAM can supply and the approximate cost, which will depend on availability and ease of harvesting.
Do you require more information? Contact John today: