Dung happens and diversity follows: Dung beetle fauna in natural and managed systems

Dung beetles are one of the most overlooked beneficial insects in many conventional range or cattle management programs.  These beetles have been shown to have a significant impact on both rangeland management and also cattle management, however, over the last several years, ranchers have adopted the use of several internal and external insecticides to manage pestiferous fly densities while losing sight of dung beetle populations.  This presentation expands upon preliminary data that was collected in Custer State Park in South Dakota- a natural system and a typical ranch environment in South Dakota which has managed pestiferous fly populations with a multitude of chemicals over several years- a managed system.