Comparison of Chemical Attractants Against Dung Beetles and Application for Rangeland and Animal Health

Dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) play a major role in nutrient cycling, soil aeration, and biological control of pests and parasites that breed in manure. Habitat fragmentation, pesticide usage, and conventional agricultural practices threaten dung beetle diversity, and their conservation is of growing concern. This study from August to October 2016 on the East Foundation, Santa Rosa Ranch, Kenedy County, TX investigated the comparative effectiveness of three chemical attractants, viz., screwworm lure, volatile fatty acids, and citronella oil to attract dung beetles. The screwworm lure attracted large numbers of beetles, but the other two attractants were not attractive to dung beetles. Morphological identification of 16 adult specimens confirmed Phanaeus vindex MacLeay, family Scarabaeidae (eight); Canthon pilularius L., family Scarabaeidae (five); and Nicrophorus carolinus L., family Silphidae (three), indicating the dung beetles were very attracted. Screwworm lure might be used to efficiently attract large numbers of dung beetles for relocation to areas where the species have been impacted.

Citation

Goolsby, J.A., N.K. Singh, D.B. Thomas, A. Ortega-S. Jr, D.G. Hewitt, T.A. Campbell, and A. Pérez de León. 2017. Comparison of chemical attractants against dung beetles and application for rangeland and animal health. Southwestern Entomologist 42(2): 339-346.

related PUBLICATIONS

Determining the Age Classes of Free-ranging Female Nilgai in Southern Texas, USA

December 21, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Hematology and Biochemical Reference Intervals and Seroprevalence of Hemorrhagic Diseases for Free-Ranging Mule Deer in West Texas

December 12, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Long Live the Cat: Ocelot Population Viability in a Planned Reintroduced Population in Texas, USA

November 20, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Pryric-carnivory: Predation of a Texas Tortoise by a Crested Caracara Following a Prescribed Fire

October 10, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Chapter 11 – Quails

October 1, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Hematology and Biochemical Reference Intervals for Free-ranging Pronghorn (Antilocapra americana) in West Texas

September 20, 2024
Peer-Reviewed

Contact Our Education Team

Complete the form below and our team will reach out shortly.