How long do Dung Beetles live?
Most captive dung beetles live about 1-3 years, with the larval stage in brooding balls lasting several weeks to months before adulthood.
What do Dung Beetles eat?
Adults and larvae eat dung (cow or horse, preferably from untreated pasture), supplemented with beetle jelly and ripe fruit. Provide a fresh dung ball every few days and remove old material to control odor and mites.
Enclosure setup
Use a 5-10 gallon tank with 4-6 inches of sandy, well-drained substrate at 75-85°F and low to moderate humidity. Give a heat lamp over one side and a hide; keep it dry enough that dung does not go moldy.
Common mistakes with Dung Beetles
Main errors are using dung from chemically treated pasture (toxic), substrate too wet so balls mold, no basking heat, and collecting wild adults that may carry parasites or be protected locally.
Beginner mistakes to avoid
- Using dung from chemically treated or wormed livestock, which poisons them.
- Keeping substrate too wet so the dung balls mold.
- No heat gradient, slowing digestion and activity.
- Collecting wild beetles that may carry parasites or be legally protected.