Metagenomics reveals that dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) broadly feed on reptile dung. Did they also feed on that of dinosaurs?

The origin of the dung-feeding habits in dung beetles (Coleoptera: Scarabaeinae) is debatable. According to traditional views, evolution and their feeding are largely attributed mammal dung. In this paper, we challenge view provide evidence that many beetle communities actually attracted reptiles birds (= Sauropsida). turn, indicates sauropsid may have played a crucial evolutionary role was previously underestimated. We argue it physiologically realistic consider coprophagy could evolved during Cretaceous response produced by dinosaurs. Furthermore, demonstrate be one major factors driving emergence insular across globe. support our findings with amplicon-metagenomic analyses, field observations, meta-analysis published literature.