Which mouthpart helps dung beetles push soil and maneuver dung?

• A. Clypeus
• B. Labrum
• C. Mandible
• D. Maxilla

Answer: (A)

Pushing soil and maneuvering dung hinges on a strong, forward-facing surface of the head that can press against solid material. The front head plate, called the clypeus, provides exactly that: a broad, rigid surface at the very front of the head that works with the labrum to form a stout platform for pressing and scooping. When a dung beetle digs through soil or shapes dung into balls, this front surface bears the force needed to push material aside and mold it, giving the insect the mechanical leverage to move dung efficiently.

The other mouthparts have different roles: the labrum acts as a flexible upper lip to help hold and guide material, the mandibles are the jaws for cutting and biting, and the maxillae help handle and sense small pieces. But the heavy pushing action against solid material is most effectively accomplished by the clypeus, making it the best fit for this function.