Onthophagus Gazella, one of the four species of dung beetles successfully introduced to Australia in 1968

Dung beetles are hardworking insects that lay their eggs in dung balls and bury them in the soil. This stops buffalo and bush flies breeding in cow pads and at the same time enriches the soil. The tunnels dung beetles build help put air into the soil, so that rainwater can seep in. The tunnels also create a good environment for microbes and earthworms. Because of this, dung beetles bring many benefits to grazing land.

There are more than 5000 different species of dung beetles around the world. Each species is adapted to its unique environment, particularly the seasonal conditions and the type of dung found there.