Dung Pads Research Articles

EFFECT OF SOIL MOISTURE ON BROOD BALL PRODUCTION BY ONTHOPHAGUS BINODIS THUNBERG AND EUONITICELLUS INTERMEDIUS (REICHE) (COLEOPTERA: SCARABAEINAE)

b Onthophagus binodis produced many brood balls from a dung pad in soil of 4% moisture, but few at 2% or 1% (wilting point 3.5%). Euoniticellus intermedius produced consistently high numbers of brood balls at all 3 soil moistures. At the 2 drier levels O. binodis placed brood balls only in the soil moistened by the dung, but E. intermedius always placed brood balls throughout the available soil. E. intermedius in dry soil produced clumps averaging 8.7 brood balls and lined the walls of the tunnels with dung, thus preventing their collapse. In moist soil both species produced brood balls singly in tunnels throughout the available soil.

Field assessments of the impact of night-flying dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) on the bush fly, Musca Vetustissima Walker (Diptera: Muscidae), in south-western Australia

AbstractThe effect of excluding the night-flying dung fauna, which included one abundant species of dung beetle (Scarabaeidae) in each of two areas, on the numbers of Musca vetustissima Wlk. emerging from cattle dung pads was studied in south-western Australia. Fresh dung pads were exposed to natural, daytime oviposition by M. vetustissima and half were covered at night. A test at one site before dung beetles emerged showed no effect of other nocturnal fauna on fly survival. In three experiments where Onthophagus ferox Har. was excluded, the numbers of flies emerging increased from 679 to 1019 per dung pad. In five experiments where Onitis alexis Klug was excluded, the number of flies emerging increased from 14 to 33 per dung pad. The mortality contributed by Onthophagus ferox was estimated to be around 27% and that by Onitis alexis around 15%.

The Insect-Free Cattle Dropping and Its Relationship to Increased Dung Fouling of Rangeland Pastures

Natural and experimentally formed dung pads dropped on range in May and early June totally smothered covered forage during the first year. However, the invasion and feeding activity of hundreds of Aphodius fimetarius (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) adults in many such pads, plus annual fall rains, resulted in 70 to 80% decomposition of the pads during the next growing season. Dung pads exposed in other months had smaller insect biomasses and smothered the growth of new vegetation for at least two growing seasons; at the slowest degradation rate, individual dung pads still smothered 50% of the underlying potential forage-producing area during the fourth growing season. Insecticide-treated dung pads exposed in May required 3 to nearly 4 years to totally degrade, but approved insecticides could be fed to cattle grazed in dry rangeland pastures from about mid-June through September without adversely affecting natural degradation rates of cattle dung pads. Other factors assessed, evaluated, and reviewed were different types of bioassays for assessing dung pad degradation, factors affecting the process and rate of degradation, and the adverse economic impact associated with dung pad fouling, plus the rejection of associated rank growth of forage.

The effect of a flood irrigation cycle on breeding by the bush fly, Musca vetustissima Walker (Diptera: Muscidae)

AbstractThe effect of a single flood irrigation cycle on the number of adults of Musca vetustissima Wlk. emerging from cattle dung was examined in the field in south-western Australia. Sets of fresh dung pads were exposed to natural oviposition on the day after a flooding and then every three days until the next flooding, 21 days later. The emergence of flies was compared with that from equivalent sets of dung pads in an adjacent unflooded but otherwise similar pasture. The age-stages most susceptible to drowning were post-feeding larvae and pre-emergent puparia. Reduced fly emergence from dung placed in the irrigated pasture one day after the first irrigation was attributed to suppression of oviposition by the wet conditions. Overall, there was a reduction of 57% in the number of flies emerging in the irrigated pasture compared with the unflooded control.

The biology of Bubas bison (L.) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in southern France and its potential for recycling dung in Australia

AbstractThe biology of Bubas bison (L.) was studied in southern France. It was active from September to the end of May. Adult emergence lasted from September to January; 8 % of the female population was parous and laying eggs in September, and 100% were parous from February to the end of June. Females exhibited extraovariolar egg resorption, which may have been a response to adverse conditions. Eggs laid in October, November, February and March hatched synchronously in May. Adults resulting from eggs laid in March emerged in early September. The rate of oviposition varied from 0–03 egg/day in January to 0·5 in March. Females stopped laying eggs for three weeks in January. The structure of the nests formed from buried dung brood-masses was studied. Each brood-mass contained two eggs, one at each pole. About 12 brood-masses were formed under each dung pad in October 1981. The mean length of each mass was 96 mm and the dry weight 10–5 g. The mean number of masses in a nest was 24, with a mean number of 4–9 nests under each dung pad. The dry weight of dung buried under a pad in October 1981 was 1239 g, 66–6%, of the mean dry weight of an experimental dung pad. B. bison has the potential for recycling large amounts of dung in climatic areas of Australia equivalent to southern France.

Attempts to measure the influence of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) on the field mortality of the bush fly Musca vetustissima Walker (Diptera: Muscidae) in south-eastern Australia

AbstractThe immature stages of Musca vetustissima Wlk. in dung pads in south-eastern Australia suffered a high mortality through the actions of a complex array of dung organisms, including dung beetles (scarabaeids), predatory beetles (hydrophilids and histerids) and predatory mites (Macrocheles glaber (Müll.)). At times of high dung beetle numbers, it was possible to demonstrate a relationship between fly mortality and dung beetle numbers. Single-species dung beetle populations appeared to be as effective as multiple-species populations in reducing fly numbers, except that some benefit was derived from a combination of day- and night-flying species. When dung beetle numbers were low, their influence could not be measured because of the high mortalities already caused by the other dung fauna. It is suggested that in those circumstances any mortality caused by the dung beetles may simply have become substituted for an existing mortality caused by other fauna without adding to the total mortality.

OCCURRENCE OF TERMITES (ISOPTERA) ON CRACKING CLAY SOILS IN NORTHEASTERN QUEENSLAND

AbstractThree cracking clay soils (a brown clay, a grey clay, and a black earth) in northeastern Queensland were examined for the presence of termites. Some mounds of Nasutitermes longipennis (Hill) were found in disturbed situations. On two of the soils large numbers of termites, mostly Amitermes obtusidens Mjöberg with fewer numbers of Microcerotermes serratus (Froggatt), were found in cattle dung pads and in the underlying soil. Dung beetles, however, appear to have prevented termite utilisation of the cattle dung on the third soil.

Some effects of three species of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) in south-western Australia on the survival of the bush fly, Musca vetustissima Walker (Diptera: Muscidae), in dung pads

AbstractThe effectiveness of three species of scarabaeids in reducing the survival of Musca vetustissima Wlk. in cattle dung was compared in laboratory experiments in Australia at 27°C in which the arthropod fauna collected in dung-baited traps in different localities at different times of year was added to one-litre dung pads containing known numbers of M. vetustissima eggs. The dung was collected from each site at the time of the experiment. Onitis alexis Klug collected in October and December at Geraldton, and Onthophagus binodis (Thnb.) collected in January at Bunbury, shredded most of the dung, reducing fly survival to 4% of that in control pads. O. binodis collected in March and October at Bunbury, and O. ferox Har. collected in May and December at Busselton, mostly buried dung, reducing fly survival to 32% of that in controls. Factors other than the numbers of beetles were also important in determining the degree of suppression of the fly.

RAINFALL AS A CAUSE OF MORTALITY IN A DUNG‐BREEDING FLY

AbstractThe paper discusses the ways that rain falling on cattle dung pads may reduce the survival of the pre‐adult stages of bushfly (Afusca vetustissima Walker) developing therein.An experiment exposing infested dung pads to simulated rainfall is described. In this the egg stage of bushfly and the final period of its larval development (up to the development of the pupa within the puparium), were shown to be relatively more sensitive to rainfall than the rest of the pre‐adult stages.The mortalities seen were considerable, and if they reflect general phenomena, may account for the seasonal absence of bushfly from summer rainfall regions of Australia.

Effects of introduced dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) on the breeding and abundance of the Australian bushfly, Musca vetustissimaWalker (Diptera: Muscidae)

AbstractIn laboratory experiments in Australia under standard conditions, densities of the dung beetle Euoniticellus intermedius (Reiche) exceeding 150/1-litre pad of cattle dung were shown to suppress breeding of Musca vetustissima Wlk. The experiments also suggested that it was the effect of dung disturbance on the survival of eggs of the fly that led to suppression. Natural vaiation in the quality of cattle dung obscured but did not alter the effects of high beetle densities. The mobility of M. vetustissima in particular, obscured the relationship of its abundance to dung beetle numbers in the field in 1974–75 and 1975–77 an intial high level of flies was apparently reduced and suppressed by a seasonally late but otherwise similar level of beetle attack on dung pads.

The Impact of Foraging Meadowlarks, Sturnella neglecta, on the Degradation of Cattle Dung Pads

The Impact of Foraging Meadowlarks, Sturnella neglecta, on the Degradation of Cattle Dung Pads

Influence of Some Dipterous Larvae on Nitrogen Loss from Cattle Dung

Nitrogen (N) loss from cattle dung was measured in dishes of fresh feces exposed outdoors in a screened cage. Musca domestica larvae were used to determine the contribution of coprophagous Diptera to this loss. Little N was lost from naturally dried pads when insects were absent. Nitrogen loss from artificial 960-g dung pads exposed to other insects in the field did not exceed 13.5% after 16 days. Ten days after infestation of a series of dung pads with different numbers of fly larvae, the total N content of the dung was found to have decreased with each increase in the degree of fly infestation. Heavy infestations of dipterous larvae caused the loss of more N than was incorporated into insect tissue.

INFLUENCE OF OTHER INSECTS ON PRODUCTION OF HORN FLY, HAEMATOBIA IRRITANS (DIPTERA: MUSCIDAE), FROM CATTLE DUNG IN SOUTH-CENTRAL BRITISH COLUMBIA

AbstractThe effect of coprophilic insects on horn fly (Haematobia irritans irritans (L.)) production from cattle dung was measured at Kamloops, B.C. Adult female flies were trapped after oviposition on fresh dung pads during 24-h sample periods. The pads were then either exposed to field insects for 24 h or covered with frames excluding insects for the same period, and removed to a greenhouse where all fauna emerged.Horn fly females did not show a definite diurnal rhythm in oviposition. There was a single peak in adult abundance during the summer. Numbers of progeny produced per female fly from covered pads showed an apparent peak from 0300 to 0600 h while lowest numbers were produced in the early evening. Throughout the summer the progeny production from pads exposed to other insects was uniformly and significantly lower than from covered pads of the same age. Insects chiefly responsible for this suppression are probably the predators Philonthus cruentatus Gmelin, Sphaeridium scarabaeoides (L.), and S. lunatum (F.). Parasites of horn fly and dung-burying beetles (Scarabaeinae) are scarce and so there is still plenty of opportunity for manipulation of horn fly populations by use of other biological agents.

Disintegration of dung pads in north Queensland before the introduction of exotic dung beetles

Before the liberation of exotic dung beetles, marked dung pads at two different sites in north Queensland were regularly observed to assess the time and mode of disintegration. Pads survived at least three months, and sometimes a year or more. Trampling by cattle and weathering broke up some pads, and others were destroyed by termites. In very wet conditions earthworms removed some old dung, but at no time were native dung beetles significant in pad breakup.

TERMITES (ISOPTERA) ASSOCIATED WITH DUNG IN AUSTRALIA

AbstractTermites play an important role in removing dry dung pads from Australian pastures. They feed on fibre in the pads, replacing it with soil or carton in about 12 weeks. Attacks on wet dung are less frequent, and the termites are probably then seeking moisture. The termites recorded from dung in Australia are listed, with notes on their food records. Only Mastotermitidae, Rhinotermitidae and Termitidae have been recorded from dung. The genus Amitermes predominates, and the most frequently recorded species are polyphagic scavengers.

The Infection of Musca Vetustissima (Diptera: Muscidae) By Heterotylenchus Sp. (Sphaerulariidae)

A laboratory colony of the nematode parasite Heterotylenchus sp. was established in the Australian bush fly, Musca vetustissima. The colony was used to study brief the free-living stage of the nematode in cow dung and the process of infection. Infected flies deposit sexually mature male, and immature female nematodes on dung pads in mock oviposition. Copulation occurs on the dung, and the female rapidly transforms into an infective form. The infective female nematode penetrates the cuticle of fly larvae while they are in the process of ecdysis. The behaviour of both fly larvae and infective nematodes under laboratory conditions is described. The parasite, under experimental conditions, lowers the survival rate of the pupae and sterilises the adult female fly. Infected male flies probably do not transmit the infection. Infective nematodes quickly die at —4° and 58°, and are immobilised below 18° but not between 18° and 54°. Fly larvae will not tolerate freezing, are inactive below 12° and also rapidly die at 58°.

Beetle Intermediate Hosts for Swine Spirurids in Southern Georgia

Phanaeus vindex is the dung beetle most commonly found infected with third-stage larvae of Physocephalus sexalatus, a spirurid stomach worm of swine. During early spring, 1967, the infection rate for both sexes of P. vindex was 50 to 65% but the average for the spring and summer was 39.2% for the female P. vindex and 30.2% for the male. Other parasitic nematodes recovered from dung beetles were Ascarops strongylina, Gongylonema pulchrum, an unidentified Gongylonema species and one unidentified species of Physaloptera. New species records for beetles that can serve as intermediate hosts for Physocephalus sexalatus, Ascarops strongylina, and Gongylonema pulchrum are given. The role of certain dung beetles as intermediate hosts of helminth parasites of wildlife, domestic animals, and man has been well documented in parasitological literature. Many adult coprophagous beetles of the family Scarabaeidae serve as intermediate hosts for Spiruridae of swine: thick stomach worms, Physocephalus sexalatus and Ascarops strongylina; and the gullet worm, Gongylonema pulchrum. These parasites are economically important to swine producers because of the necessity of repeated anthelmintic treatments, the lack of efficient gains, and increased mortality. Beetles that act as intermediate hosts for nematode parasites can be separated into four groups according to their habits. The better known group is the tumble-bugs which form feces into balls and roll them away from the fecal deposit for burial, e.g., Canthon, Boreocanthon, Melanocanthon, and Deltochilum. A second group buries the feces directly under or beside the original deposit. The dung mass is packed inside the burrow of such dungburying beetles. This group includes Phanaeus, Dichotomius, Onthophagus, Copris, Ateuchus, and Geotrupes. Members of the third group feed on dung and many complete their life cycles in the dung pad. Such dungfeeders belong to the genera Aphodius, Ataenius, and Trox as well as the family Histeridae. Received for publication 1 October 1968. * Journal Paper No. 355 of the Coastal Plain Experiment Station of the University of Georgia College of Agriculture Experiment Stations, Tifton, Georgia 31794. t Animal Parasite Laboratory, Animal Disease & Parasite Research Division, ARS, USDA, Tifton, Georgia 31794. t Department of Entomology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia 30601. Members of Trox and the histerids are better known as carrion-feeders. The fourth group consists of miscellaneous beetles that ingest feces accidentally while feeding on roots or plants near fecal deposits. These insects are probably infected during their larval stages. Only a few of the many species of dung beetles in south Georgia are known interediate hosts of swine nematodes. Porter (1939) reported new host records and Stewart and Kent (1963) found that Phanaeus vindex had a higher incidence of infection with Physocephalus sexalatus than any other species of beetle examined. An intensive study was made in 1967 to determine the incidence of infection with swine nematodes of beetles in various areas, using feces-baited and light traps. MATERIALS AND METHODS Beetles were trapped in or near swine lots and pastures in several areas of south Georgia. Most beetles examined were from Tift County. Other areas included the counties of Dougherty, Baker, Calhoun, Early, Irwin, Berrien, Ware, and Brantley. At least 3 trappings were made in each county. Most dung beetles were caught in pit t aps baited with swine feces. Most pit traps were made of l-lb coffee cans, 5.5 inches deep and 4 inches in diameter, buried to their rims in the ground. Funnels, 4 by 3 inches, were inserted in each can. The top of each funnel had a 2.25-inch metal disk attached across the funnel opening to hold the bait. A 1-inch clearance between the edge of the disk and the top edge of the funnel permitted beetles to fall through into the can. A paper cup was placed in the bottom of each can for ease in emptying. This system was similar to that of Miller (1954), except that he used a larger container with a central pedestal for holding the bait. Most dung beetle species, observed coming to these traps, have similar habits. They alight 4 t 24 inches from the feces which have attracted them, then walk towards the bait and fall through

The epidemiology of parasitic gastro-enteritis of cattle

Observations on parasitic gastro-enteritis of cattle are recorded with particular reference to its epidemiology under conditions existing in Queensland. The most important species of nematodes associated with this disease are Haemonchus contortus, Bunostomum phlebotomum, Cooperia punctata, C. pectinata, and Bosicola radiatus. All of these are serious among dairy cattle, but only H. contortus, Bosicola radiatus, and rarely Bunostomum phlebotomum among beef cattle. Ostertagia ostertagi and Trichostrongylus urei are common, but occur in pathogenic numbers only occasionally. Strongyloides papillosus and Moniezia sp., probably M. benedeni, are also discussed. The incidence and prevalence of these parasites are recorded and also the age of the calf when infestation was first detected. Pathogenic infestations are for the most part confined to young cattle 3 to 24 months of age. In dairy cattle, the most susceptible age is from 4 to 12 months; in beef cattle, the majority of outbreaks occur a few months after weaning. Outbreaks are usually seen during the winter and early spring, although on occasion, losses may commence in the autumn and occur also in early summer. Seasonal fluctuations in the populations of these helminths were followed by means of regular faecal egg counts. It was usual for the egg count of each species to increase to a peak, then to decline fairly rapidly, and to remain on a low level during the remainder of the period the animals were under observation, i.e. up to 18 months of age. The ages at which these peaks occurred are recorded and their relationship to the season of birth of the host is discussed. The influence of temperature and rainfall on the prevalence of these helminths has been studied and some preliminary observations are recorded on the development and behaviour of their preparasitic stages in the dung pad. Evidence is brought forward to show that cattle develop a strong resistance to infestation during the first 18 months or so of life. In young animals this reaction depends on exposure to infestation and is somewhat specific in nature in so far as it may be manifested against one species, but populations of other species may continue to increase. Thus, most animals became resistant to infestation with Cooperia spp. at about five months of age, but not to H. contortus and the other species until several months later. This resistance is considered mainly responsible for the light infestations usual among adult cattle. It appears strongest against B. phlebotomum and weakest against H. contortus, which is the most common and prevalent species among adult animals. Outbreaks of parasitic gastro-enteritis are considered to occur under conditions of high larval prevalence and poor nutrition, when resistance against infestation fails to be effective.