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.
Throughout the state, all alfalfa fields should be scouted weekly to ensure that large populations of alfalfa weevils do not cause excessive defoliation like what we observed in 2021.
Alfalfa weevil larvae have been confirmed in alfalfa fields in South Dakota, which means it is time to start scouting fields more regularly. Learn some tips and consideration for scouting your fields.
One of the insects that should be monitored for in alfalfa during the spring and early summer are the pea aphids. If pea aphids reach large populations, there is the potential for yield reductions to occur.
