The biology of a giant dung‐beetle (Heliocopris dilloni) (Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae)

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Abstract
Heliocopris dilloni is the largest dung‐beetle found in the Tsavo National Park, Kenya, which during the biannual rainy seasons comprises the most important agency of elephant dung removal. The species is shown to exhibit considerable morphological variation. The mode of construction of the brood chamber is described together with details of development from egg to pupa. It is suggested that the depth to which these beetles burrow is related to avoiding the extreme climate near the surface and to predator avoidance.