hattyúbogárfélék

The hattyúbogárfélék, commonly known as scarab beetles, are a subfamily of the scarabaeid beetle family. This subfamily, Scarabaeinae, is found worldwide and comprises over 20,000 species. They are characterized by their robust bodies, often with distinctive horns on the males, and their powerful legs adapted for digging.

Scarab beetles are most famous for their role as dung beetles. Many species are coprophagous, meaning they feed on the feces of other animals. They exhibit remarkable behavior in collecting, rolling into balls, and burying dung. This dung is used both as a food source and for laying eggs, providing a nutritious environment for developing larvae.

The life cycle of a scarab beetle typically involves egg, larval, pupal, and adult stages. The larvae, often C-shaped grubs, live underground or within the dung masses, feeding on decaying organic matter or roots. Upon metamorphosis, the adult beetle emerges.

Beyond their ecological importance as decomposers and nutrient recyclers, scarab beetles hold cultural significance in various societies. In ancient Egypt, the scarab beetle was a symbol of regeneration and the sun god Ra, often depicted in amulets and religious artifacts. Their strength and persistence have also led to their association with resilience and determination in folklore.