A new study published this week in Nature Communications has uncovered a new tool for pest control: the dung beetle! Researchers from the University of Valencia have identified a type of dung beetle, Idna, that is capable of destroying pests such as cockroaches, mites, and flies. This species of dung beetle has the unique ability to break down the proteins and carbohydrates found in the waste of these pests. The study found that the beetles have a strong appetite for the waste of these pests, and are highly efficient at breaking it down and eliminating them. In addition to being an effective pest control tool, Idna dung beetles could also help improve soil quality and nutrient cycling in agricultural ecosystems. This is an exciting breakthrough for the agricultural world, and could help to reduce the need for chemical pesticides and other conventional pest control methods.

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source: Phys.org