Coleoptera

Members of the Geotrupidae are extremely important in clearing the countryside from the prodigious quantities of dung that grazing animals produce. Although the adults feed on the dung, far greater quantities are buried to act as larders for their eggs. Not only does this remove the dung from the surface but also speeds up the process of decay that allows the minerals trapped in the dung to return to the soil.

Dor Beetle (Geotrupes stercorarius) - Gwynedd, Wales - June 2008

Often infested with mites, the Dor Beetle also goes by the name of "Lousy Watchman". This species is usually associated with cow dung.

Dor Beetle (Geotrupes stercorarius) - Gwynedd, Wales - June 2008