Geographical distribution of dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae) and their seasonal activity in southwestern Cape Province South Africa

A total of 30 species of dung beetles was recorded in indigenous shrubland near Langebaan and a pasture of Kikuyu grass near Paarl over a period of 13 months. These species were divided into 2 groups according to their distribution between the rainfall regions of southern Africa. Group 1, which was numerically dominant at Langebaan, was largely endemic to the winter and bimodal rainfall regions and was principally active during the winter rainy season in the south-western Cape. Group 2, which was numerically dominant at Paarl, was widespread in the winter, bimodal and summer rainfall regions and was principally active during the summer dry season and beginning of the rainy season in the south-western Cape. The potential of these beetles as control agents of the dung-breeding bush fly in south-western Australia is discussed.