Paper Contents
Abstract
AbstractDung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeoidea) play a vital role in nutrient cycling, dung decomposition, and soil health enhancement in terrestrial ecosystems. This study evaluates the species diversity, abundance, and ecological distribution of dung beetles across three rural sites Adhiv, Pawar Vasti, and Survase Vastiin Pandharpur Tehsil, Solapur District, Maharashtra. Using pitfall traps and manual collection methods, 47 individuals were sampled between November 2020 and March 2021, comprising five species across three families: Scarabaeidae, Hybosoridae, and Histeridae. The most prevalent species was Aphodius contaminatus, suggesting potential adaptability to disturbed habitats. The findings highlight the ecological significance of dung beetles in maintaining soil health and propose their role as bioindicators for monitoring environmental quality in agricultural landscapes.
Copyright
Copyright © 2025 Gaikwad Divya Shashikant. This is an open access article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License.
