Addo Elephant Park is home to one of the over 800 different species of dung beetles found in South Africa. Our Addo dung beetles are special – they don’t have wings. The Addo flightless dung beetles are a subspecies named Circellium bacchu or simply called the Addo Elephant Park flightless dung beetle, one of the rarest species of dung beetle.

Addo Flightless Dung Beetle Fun Facts

• These little bugs are perfectly suited to our hot region. Researchers have noted that their tightly sealed wing cases help to create a convection cooling system that draws warm air away from their bodies.
• Their specially rolled balls are a source of nourishment, their favourite type is elephant, rhino or buffalo dung.
• Dung beetles are between 22 -47 mm in length.
• A dung beetle can roll a ball 50 times it’s own weight!
• Addo dung beetles have been seen using the dung ball to cool their feet. They rest their hot feet on top of the dung ball and take a breather.
• Addo dung beetles are environmentally friendly bugs – all their business helps to aerate the soil and fertilize the ground.

Big and Small Enjoy it All in Addo

Did you know that these tiny bugs have right of way in nearby Addo Elephant Park? Be sure to stop and admire these little creatures the next time you are in Addo. If fact, we recommend that you book a full or half day safari when staying with us. A trip into Addo Elephant National Park is the perfect way to spend the day and the qualified guides have a wealth of local knowledge that they enjoy passing on.

Please email us to pre-book your Addo Park tour or speak to one of us at the front desk when you arrive. Our team will also be able to help you with information about the many nearby Addo attractions.