While it is possible to get an idea of what beetle species are present on a property by simply disturbing cow pads it is also easy to miss some species due to their speed or ability to camouflage themselves.

For this reason several other methods are preferred. While there are many variations on the techniques described these are two relatively simply ways to find dung beetles on your property.

The Flotation Method

Dung pads which are approximately twenty fours hours old should be collected as these will have attracted both day and night fliers. As dung beetles can retreat into their tunnels rapidly it is advisable to approach the pad quickly and quietly. The pad, together with approximately 5 centimetres of soil should be scooped up with a long handled shovel. The dung, grass and soil should then be placed in a bucket at least half filled with water. Agitate to break up the dung and soil. The beetles should float to the surface after a few minutes.

The Pitfall Trap

The pitfall trap is used to monitor beetle populations over a period of time - usually twenty four hours. The design shown below is relatively easy but can be modified to suit the availability of  materials. For long term monitoring please follow the instructions below can be used as a guideline.

The trap is the type used by CSIRO throughout Australia for experimental assessments of beetle numbers.

The trap consists of:

1. A metal cylinder (or black flower pot) 250mm in diameter and 300rnm in length
2. A PVC funnel 21 mm in diameter and 200rnm in length.
3. Metal sheeting 350mm x 350mm with a 210rnm hole in the centre to accommodate the funnel.
4. Wire mesh approximately 250mm x 250mm to hold the dung bait.
5. Nylon netting approximately 400mm x 400mm.
6. A length of string 400rnm long.
7. A suitable container eg. large coffee jar with a hole cut in the lid to accommodate the funnel.
8. A location in an open cattle-grazing paddock should be selected. The pit-fall trap should not be placed close to bush, scrub, fences or under the canopy of large trees. The introduced beetles were carefully selected work in open pasture areas.
9. A hole needs to be dug and the cylinder (flower pot) placed into the ground for ease of repeated use.
10. The piece of metal sheet holds the funnel in place and also acts as a platform for beetles to land and walk towards the bait. Holes at the edge of the metal should be filled with soil to prevent the beetles digging in under the trap.

Setting your trap

1. Once a month, set your trap in the afternoon before dusk (eg between 2 pm and 4 pm). Try to choose a period of fine weather.
2. Make a bait using the 1 litre ice-cream container to measure the dung. Wrap the dung tightly in a piece of nylon gauze, and secure with string just like wrapping a Christmas pudding. Always place the bait on top of  the trap, with the string underneath. Place the bait on the wire grid, which sits over the red funnel. The end of the funnel fits into the hole in the lid of the collection beetle container. Make sure the edges of the metal sheet are still well covered with soil. (Remove any excess grass growth from around the trap)
3. If you experience heavy rain during dusk, please abandon the session and reset your trap the next evening.
4. In the morning (between 7.30am and 8.30am) replace each bait with a fresh bait {either using the dung left in your bucket, or collect fresh dung).
5. Leave the beetles in the trap at this stage. If the weather is very hot add 1-2 cups of water to the beetle container in the morning, to prevent the beetles from cooking during the heat of the day.
6. In the evening, 24 hours after the trap was first set, (i.e. between 2pm and 4pm) clear your trap. Remove the beetle container and place a plug of paper, rag etc. in the hole in the lid to prevent beetles from escaping.
7. Cover the trap with a fence post, board or large rock to prevent stock from stumbling into the trap.

Drying your beetles

1. Drain any water that may be in the containers through the small holes in the sides of the container.
2. Kill the beetles quickly by putting in a container and placing in the freezer. Leave for 24 hours.
3. Spread the beetles out on paper towel or newspaper on a tray or shallow container (e.g. Chinese take-away container). Dry the beetles in a safe spot (i.e. away from ants, mice, wind, etc), but NOT in the sun (this discolours the beetles). An ideal way to dry them is to place the trays of beetles under the warmth of a desk lamp. Dry the beetles for 3 days if using a desk lamp.

If sending these beetles in for identification place them in a cardboard container with paper towel or bubble wrap to prevent movement in transit. Glass or plastic jars are often unsuitable as beetles which are not well dried may start to sweat and rot. It is best not to use cotton wool for padding as the legs may break off making identification difficult (and often impossible).