Thread by @ZwartblesIE

I had a fantastic visit from biologest @Johnfinn310 We both have a passion for #DungBeetles. My interest is in their professional life as soil improvers & livestock parasite controllers. While John is an expert as he researched & wrote a thesis about them.

Here @Johnfinn310 talks about 2 varieties one which is abundant across Ireland that nestles under dung to lay their eggs. While the big Dor #DungBeetle digs a hole buries vast amounts of dung underground. I was interested to learn that the Dor is considered quite rare in Ireland

Here is another species of #DungBeetle with a beautiful glossy copper bottom (my term not John’s) @Johnfinn310

Our Dor #DungBeetle population has impressed @Johnfinn310 to the point of expletives. This make me very happy as I must be doing something right. 🤓

I’m very glad that @Johnfinn310 confirmed that I’m farming #DungBeetles correctly

If you don’t want to get your hands manure mucky like @Johnfinn310 and I. This is an easy way to spot if you have the big Dor #DungBeetles roaming your land, improving your soil and limiting your livestock parasites

Here are 3 of the #DungBeetles @Johnfinn310 is talking about. Hopefully I’ve correct names:Copper backed is Aphodius fimetarius. Slender sleek glossy black one is Aphodius fossor. Final image is most recognized scarab type commonly called Dor beetle-Geotrupes stercorarius