METHODS FOR HARVESTING LARGE NUMBERS OF DUNG BEETLES (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEIDAE)

Abstract

Abstract Methods used to harvest large numbers of dung beetles for redistribution in a biological control program are described. Beetles were extracted from naturally dropped cow dung or from dung bait pads using one or a combination of 3 methods: (1) flotation on water; (2) an extractor, where the beetles flew towards the light end of a darkened chamber and fell through funnels into a container; (3) beetles burrowed down through the dung into a container of sand from which they were sieved. The beetles were stored in moist peat in ventilated containers until released.