Ecological role of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and their diversity in India

Abstract

India has an incredibly rich biological diversity as a result of its unique biogeographic locations, varying climatic circumstances, and significant ecological and geographic adaptations. The family Scarabaeidae, which includes scarab beetles, is a significant group of beetle species. Scarab beetles can be found in many places in India due to differences in geographic regions as well as variations in latitude and altitude. In India, 1590 species of scarab beetles belonging to 203 genera were reported. The relatively enormous size, bright insignia, complex decorating, and fascinating life cycles of adult individuals make them easy to identify. The role of dung beetles to nitrogen cycling, enhancing plant development, secondary seed distribution, bioturbation, and parasite control are outlined here. There are a few crucial coprophagous beetles belonging to Scarabaeinae subfamily that support ecosystems by consuming animal faeces both as adults and larvae. Despite extensive research on many facets of the environmental history of dung beetles, little is recognized about their precise contribution to the nitrogen cycle, CH4 emissions, organic matter decomposition, greenhouse gas emissions, NH3 volatilization, waste management, ecosystem stability, forest and agro-pastoral cycles of nutrients, and the soil and agricultural cycles. This review is aimed to summarize the scarab beetle distribution status in India and their ecological contribution to the scientific community in a wide range of areas.