dung beetle

noun

: a beetle (such as a tumblebug) that rolls balls of dung in which to lay eggs and on which the larvae feed

Examples of dung beetle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
There’s a section on fluorescent animals, a callout on the many ways that animals use sticks and a piece on how dung beetles use light from the sky to navigate a straight course. Laura Kiniry, Smithsonian Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024 After 15 minutes of searching, despite the warm day, there are no dung beetles. Ari Daniel, NPR, 22 Nov. 2024 Essentially, wherever there is mammal poop, there's going to be dung beetles. Ari Daniel, NPR, 22 Nov. 2024 Animals from seals to dung beetles rely on the stars or moon in dark skies for navigation. Brian Handwerk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024 See all Example Sentences for dung beetle 

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1634, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of dung beetle was circa 1634

Dictionary Entries Near dung beetle

Cite this Entry

“Dung beetle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/dung%20beetle. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

dung beetle

noun
: a beetle (as a tumblebug) that rolls balls of dung in which to lay eggs and on which the larvae feed

More from Merriam-Webster on dung beetle

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