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The Dung Beetle Expert - John Feehan

Supply and Education on the benefits of Dung Beetles

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Identifying Dung Beetles

You are here: Home / Dung Beetle Information / 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.

A collection of dung beetles l-r: Sisyphus spinipes, Onthophagus binodis, Geotrupes spiniger, Euoniticellus fulvus, Onthophagus taurus.
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

  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

Phone John:

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:

Ph: 0414 938 621
Fill In Contact Form

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The Dung Beetle Expert

trading as: SoilCam Pty. Ltd. ABN: 751 5930 3170 3 Prell Pl, Canberra, HACKETT ACT 2602 Australia

Phone:

0414938621

Our Purpose

The Dung Beetle Expert's purpose is promote, advise and provide information and supply of dung beetles to assist farming communities and improve the environment.

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