dung beetle

noun

1. any of various scarab beetles that feed on or breed in dung.

dung beetle

noun

1. any of the various beetles of the family Scarabaeidae and related families that feed on or breed in dung

Word History and Origins

Origin of dung beetle¹

First recorded in 1625–35

Example Sentences

Diverse trees and grasses support scores of other species, from vivid green-orange Fischer’s lovebirds to dung beetles.

From Science News For Students

This diversity of trees and grasses support scores of other species, from vivid green-orange Fischer’s lovebirds to dung beetles.

From Science News

Their surveys showed that 29 species in the state — including dung beetles, freshwater crayfish, flies, snails and spiders — had their entire ranges burned.

From Science News

And then to be fooling round here alone night after night with that dung-beetle, that Tommy—the beast smells, I tell you.

From Project Gutenberg

The mates of several species of dung-beetle keep house together and know the worth of mutual labour.

From Project Gutenberg

And as I said 'Hodge, my dear Hodge,' you tumbled about like a kernel of corn which a dung-beetle blows with his breath.

From Project Gutenberg

Life is everywhere the same, in the Dung beetle's body as in man's.

From Project Gutenberg

Of this description is the maxilla in the common dung-beetle (Geotrupes stercorarius), and rove-beetle (Staphylinus olens).

From Project Gutenberg