Savings estimate
Estimate shows the approximate annual economic benefit to this Ranch from dung beetle activity.
Economic Benefit of Dung Beetles to Florida Ranchers
Onthophagus tuberculifrons — small beetle sometimes with orange spots
Small tunneling beetle that buries dung, improving soil aeration and reducing parasite exposure in pastures. Total body length 0.13–0.20 in. Image copyright: Chris Joll
Canthon pilularius — Common Tumblebug
Roller that shapes dung into balls and buries them away from the pat, redistributing nutrients.Common in central Florida.Image copyright: Continas
Digitonthophagus gazella — brown scarab
Deep tunneler important in sandy soils; mixes organic matter and improves water infiltration.Total body length ~ 0.39–0.51 in.
Phanaeus vindex — Fiery Scarab
Smaller metallic scarab that processes smaller pats efficiently in open pastures. Total body length ~ 0.4 - 0.9 inches. Image courtesy of Thomas Shahan, CC BY-NC 4.0, iNaturalist
Dr. Roisin Stanbrook-Buyer
Dr. Rosie Stanbrook-Buyer is an Assistant Professor of Field Data Science at Bethune-Cookman University, with a specialization in conservation ecology. Her research includes studying the impact of climate instability and ranch management on dung beetles.
Dr. Mahadev Bhat
Dr. Bhat is a Distinguished University Professor of Natural Resource Economics in the Departments of Earth and Environment and Economics at Florida International University. His research focuses on economic and policy issues related to natural resource management, including water resources, coastal and marine resources, ecosystem services valuation, and agriculture.
Dr. Joshua R. King
Dr. King is a Professor at the University of Central Florida. His primary interests are in community ecology, invasion biology, social insects, and conservation science aimed at understanding the ecosystem services of insects.
How ranchers can participate
- Adopt low-disturbance grazing rotations that maintain dung beetle habitat.
- Limit broad-spectrum insecticide use on pastures; prefer targeted applications when necessary.
- Participate in dung beetle monitoring programs (pitfall traps, dung-baited traps, reach out to stanbrookr@cookman.edu if you would like a survey of your property.
- Share any data you already have which will improve our local dung beetle valuation.
Coming in 2026
- On-farm demonstration days and field tours.
- Short workshops on dung beetle-friendly pasture management.
- Incentive programs for practices that enhance dung beetle services.