An identification guide to common Dung Beetles of South Dakota
Dung beetle facts
Dung beetles have been found on every continent in the world except Antarctica.
There are over 6,000 known species of dung beetles.
Some dung beetles are picky eaters and prefer only specific types of animal dung.
Most dung beetles exhibit parental care for their young.
Dung beetles are extremely territorial and often compete with one another for food and nesting space.
Dung beetles have a critical role in the function of many ecosystems by speeding up the dung decomposition process and cycling important nutrients into the soil.
Most dung beetle species do not have common names.
The ninth annual Rosebud Range Workshop was held on July 15, 2026, at the Rosebud Sioux Tribal Ranch, and event organizers lauded it as a successful and productive event.
For most producers across the Plains, forage supplies are looking limited because of decreased forage production from persistent drought conditions, making now a suitable time to explore alternative feed options.
Minimizing disturbance and keeping the soil covered are two of the soil health principles. One of the best ways to incorporate these principles is to adopt no-till. To be successful when adopting no-till, it starts when combining the crop from the prior year.
