Dung Beetles for Gympie

Summary

Dung beetles quickly disperse cattle dung, reducing the breeding ground of buffalo fly. Through the identification of the species living on their farms, the group realised they were lacking many species present elsewhere in Queensland. The producer group aimed to introduce new dung beetles into the Gympie area and raise awareness of producers being able to collect, identify and spread beetles with a focus on correct chemical control of parasites. The group also wanted to increase producer awareness of the benefits of dung beetles, while being able to collect, identify and spread beetles themselves. Beetles were bought from former CSIRO entomologist, John Feehan, Soilcam, ACT