Dung Beetle

Part of Speech

Noun

Pronunciation

/dʌŋ ˈbiː.təl/

Definitions

• A type of beetle that feeds on animal dung, often rolling it into balls for food storage or nesting.

Usage Examples

• "The dung beetle quickly rolled a ball of manure across the field."
• "Scientists study dung beetles to understand their role in soil fertilization."
• "In ancient Egypt, the dung beetle was associated with the sun god, Ra."

Etymology

Derived from Middle English "dung" (animal excrement) and "beetle" (insect). The term has been in use since at least the 18th century.

Synonyms

• Scarab
• Manure beetle

Antonyms

• N/A (no direct antonyms)

Translations

Regional Pronunciation Variations

• British English: /dʌŋ ˈbiː.təl/
• American English: /dʌŋ ˈbiː.t̬l/

Historical Usage

The dung beetle has been observed in ancient cultures such as Egypt, where it was revered as a sacred symbol representing transformation and rebirth.

Cultural Nuances

In many cultures, dung beetles are seen as beneficial insects due to their role in waste decomposition and soil enrichment.

More Information

Dung beetles play a crucial ecological role by recycling animal waste, reducing pest populations, and improving soil quality. Some species use the Milky Way for navigation.