At the basis of a trophic web, coprophagous animals like dung beetles (Scarabaeoidea) utilize resources
that may have advantages (easy gain and handling) as well as drawbacks (formerly processed food).
Several studies have characterized the nutrients, e.g. C/N ratios and organic matter content, for
specific types of dung. However, a comparative approach across dung types and feeding guilds of
dung producers, and relationships between dung nutrients and preferences by coprophages, have
been missing. Hence, we analyzed water content, C/N ratio, amino acid, neutral lipid fatty acid, free
fatty acid and sterol composition and concentrations in dung from 23 vertebrates, including carnivore,
omnivore and herbivore species. Our analyses revealed significant differences among the three
vertebrate feeding guilds for most nutritional parameters. Although formerly processed, dung grants
sufficient amounts of essential nutrients for insects. We tested whether nutrients can explain the
dung beetles’ preferences in a field experiment, using 12 representative dung types in baits that were
installed in 27 forests and 27 grasslands. Although consistent preferences for specific dung types were
pronounced, the nutritional composition did not predict the variation in attractiveness of these dung
diets, suggesting a primary role of dung volatiles irrespective of food quality
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