Page 41 - World of Animals - Issue #41

Top 10 Extreme Animal Survivors

Dung beetle

These industrious insects dine on dung

Being a true survivor means taking advantage of whatever
food is available. Insects are particularly unfussy when
it comes to what they eat – one species has become
famous for indulging in the most rancid meal imaginable.
Dung beetles are coprophagous animals, meaning
that they feast on faeces. In fact, they gorge on the stuff,
doing everything they can to get their segmented legs
on a fresh portion. Some roll the dung into balls and push
them back to their burrows; others bury it where they can
find it later for a more immediate meal, or simply live in
piles of manure to avoid the strenuous task of hauling it
around with them.
Dung rolling is hard – some scarab species are capable
of pushing balls over 1,000-times their weight. This makes
them the strongest animal on Earth in comparison to
body weight. Imagine tugging six double-decker buses on
your own, and you’ll get an idea of their strength.
These beetles also
climb on top of dung
balls to cool down
in the heat

DUNG BEETLE
Scarabaeus viettei
Class Insecta

Territory All continents except
Antarctica
Diet Dung
Lifespan 3 years
Adult weight 21g (0.75oz)
Conservation status

NOT EVALUATED

41

036-043_WOA041_Extreme Survivors.indd 41 30/11/2016 17:32