Life Cycle of the Dung Beetle

The life cycle of a dung beetle, like all beetles, involves complete metamorphosis with four main stages: egg, larva, pupa, and adult. 

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The process generally unfolds as follows:

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• Adult Activity: Adult dung beetles, typically a male and female pair, locate a fresh source of dung. They work together to either roll a portion of dung into a ball and bury it, or dig a tunnel beneath the dung source.

• Egg Stage: The female lays her eggs inside the buried dung ball or mass, which serves as a protective nest and food source (a "brood ball").

• Larva Stage: The eggs hatch into C-shaped larvae, which feed on the surrounding dung within the brood ball. They go through several skin changes (instars) as they grow.

• Pupa Stage: Once the larva is fully grown, it enters the non-feeding pupal stage within the safety of the dung ball, similar to the cocoon stage in moths. During this stage, the metamorphosis into an adult occurs.

• Adult Emergence: The new adult beetle breaks out of the pupal case and the dung ball, digging its way to the surface. It then flies off to find fresh dung, and the cycle begins anew. 

• The duration of this entire life cycle can vary widely, from as little as one month to three years or more, depending on the species and environmental conditions, such as drought.