Tag: Cattle dung

NEW BOOK! Cow patty critters: An introduction to the ecology, biology and identification of insects in cattle dung on Canadian pastures

Entomologist Dr. Kevin Floate aims to answer ‘what critters are found in a cow patty?’ and ‘what do they do?’ His hope is to spark the interest of ranchers and farmers, and to stir the minds of students studying insects. In his own words, ‘This is the guide I wish I had when I started my career.’

Cover and sample content of Cow Patty Critters

Insects serve an outsized role in many ecosystem services. For dung on Canadian pastures, there are over 300 species of insects helping to break down and cycle nutrients through the soil and food webs. Understanding what insects are present in a cow patty provides insights into livestock health and ecological processes.

Dr. Kevin Floate speaking about insects to a captivated audience. Photo credit: Cam Goater, University of Lethbridge

Download your copy of Cow Patty Critters in English or in French.

This new 224-page, full color guide provides the ‘doorway’ to learn more about the critters one can find in cow dung: how to identify them, how they can be beneficial, and additional information on the biology and morphology of multiple insect groups. Also included is an extensive reference list for those who wish to pursue detailed insect identification.

White grubs in field crops

Scarabaeidae – Reminder – Each June brings scattered reports across the Prairies of white grubs associated with crop damage.  In fact, several species of Aphodius, Phyllophaga, Polyphylla or even small Aetenius produce larvae described as “white grubs”.  

Recently, crop damage reports have been associated with a grub identified as the larvae of the beetle Aphodius distinctus (see below). This common beetle is not known to be a pest, but there is an ongoing effort to gather information to develop a ‘pest’ profile.  Additional information is online at Top Crop Manager. Please send reports of this insect and associated information to Dr. Kevin Floate (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB).

White grubs in field crops

Scarabaeidae – Reminder – Each June brings scattered reports across the Prairies of white grubs associated with crop damage.  In fact, several species of Aphodius, Phyllophaga, Polyphylla or even small Aetenius produce larvae described as “white grubs”.  

Recently, crop damage reports have been associated with a grub identified as the larvae of the beetle Aphodius distinctus (see below). This common beetle is not known to be a pest, but there is an ongoing effort to gather information to develop a ‘pest’ profile.  Additional information is online at Top Crop Manager. Please send reports of this insect and associated information to Dr. Kevin Floate (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB).

It’s all about the habitat – The secret life of cattle dung!

Cattle dung provides moisture, nutrients, and shelter for numerous insect species and other arthropods.  Ralf Jochmann’s video magnificently captures some of this diversity, using close-up photography and narration (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-l05EHZMmKE).



Adults of the dung beetle Chilothorax (Aphodius) distinctus are common in cattle dung, particularly in September and early October.  Larvae develop in agricultural soils where they can occasionally cause crop damage when present in high densities.  For more information on this occasional pest, click here.

Weekly Update – White grubs in field crops

Scarabaeidae – Reminder – Each June brings scattered reports across the Prairies of white grubs associated with crop damage.  In fact, several species of Aphodius, Phyllophaga, Polyphylla or even small Aetenius produce larvae described as “white grubs”.  


Recently, crop damage reports have been associated with a grub identified as the larvae of the beetle Aphodius distinctus (see below). This common beetle is not known to be a pest, but there is an ongoing effort to gather information to develop a ‘pest’ profile.  Additional information is online at Top Crop Manager. Please send reports of this insect and associated information to Dr. Kevin Floate (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB).

Weekly Update – White grubs in field crops

Scarabaeidae – Reminder – Each June brings scattered reports across the Prairies of white grubs associated with crop damage.  In fact, several species of Aphodius, Phyllophaga, Polyphylla or even small Aetenius produce larvae described as “white grubs”.  


Recently, crop damage reports have been associated with a grub identified as the larvae of the beetle Aphodius distinctus (see below). This common beetle is not known to be a pest, but there is an ongoing effort to gather information to develop a ‘pest’ profile.  Additional information is online at Top Crop Manager. Please send reports of this insect and associated information to Dr. Kevin Floate (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB).

Weekly Update – White grubs in field crops

Scarabaeidae – Each June brings scattered reports across the Prairies of white grubs associated with crop damage.  In fact, several species of Aphodius, Phyllophaga, Polyphylla or even small Aetenius produce larvae described as “white grubs”.  


Recently, crop damage reports have been associated with a grub identified as the larvae of the beetle Aphodius distinctus (see below). This common beetle is not known to be a pest, but there is an ongoing effort to gather information to develop a ‘pest’ profile.  Additional information is online at Top Crop Manager. Please send reports of this insect and associated information to Dr. Kevin Floate (Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, Lethbridge, AB).


Weekly Update – Small scarab beetle

Small scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Aphodius distinctus) – Reminder – This is the time of summer that farmers will be seeing larvae of a small scarab beetle (Aphodius distinctus) in their fields.  There have been scattered reports each June of large numbers of beetle grubs in crops associated with crop damage (e.g., canola, corn, dry bean, onion, pea).


Please help researchers compile information related to this species so they might confirm its pest status!  Information is posted about the beetle and the survey.  Here’s how you can help:

1. Please send reports of high white grub densities and associated crop damage to Kevin.Floate@agr.gc.ca (403-317-2242). 

2. Live larvae accompanied by the following field information would be extremely helpful please – contact Dr. Kevin Floate if you have a sample!

3. Include answers to the following so the pest status for this species can be ascertained:  
     – Previous crop?
     – Legal land location or latitude+longitude?
     – Irrigated or not?
     – Was composted manure added this spring?
     – Surface residue in spring?


Weekly Update – Small scarab beetle

Small scarab beetle (Coleoptera: Aphodius distinctus) – This is the time of summer that farmers will be seeing larvae of a small scarab beetle (Aphodius distinctus) in their fields.  There have been scattered reports each June of large numbers of beetle grubs in crops associated with crop damage (e.g., canola, corn, dry bean, onion, pea).


Please help researchers compile information related to this species so they might confirm its pest status!  Information is posted about the beetle and the survey.  Here’s how you can help:


1. Please send reports of high white grub densities and associated crop damage to Kevin.Floate@agr.gc.ca (403-317-2242). 


2. Live larvae accompanied by the following field information would be extremely helpful please – contact Dr. Kevin Floate if you have a sample!


3. Include answers to the following so the pest status for this species can be ascertained:  
     – Previous crop?
     – Legal land location or latitude+longitude?
     – Irrigated or not?
     – Was composted manure added this spring?
     – Surface residue in spring?