Identifying Dung Beetles

• 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.

To assist John in the process for identifying your beetles, follow the steps below:

Collect the Dung Beetles

1. Select dung pads which have a margin of fresh soil around them.
2. Approach the dung pads quietly so that the beetles do not crash dive down their tunnels.
3. Use a long-handled shovel to scoop up the dung and 2cm of soil underneath the dung pad
4. Place soil, grass and dung into a bucket.
5. Fill the bucket with cold water and stir gently.
6. Collect beetles as they float to the surface.
7. Kill the beetles in hot water.
8. Dry beetles for two days on newspaper (out of direct sunlight).
9. Select approximately 3 beetles of each different species.
10. 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: