Which mouthpart is used by dung beetles to push soil and maneuver dung?

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

Answer: (B)

Understanding how head structures contribute to beetle behavior helps explain why a flat front head plate can function as a tool. In dung beetles, manipulating dung and moving surrounding soil relies on a broad, sturdy contact surface at the front of the head. This surface is the clypeus, a shield-like plate just above the mouthparts. Its shape and strength make it well suited to act as a scoop or shovel-like platform, allowing the beetle to press, push, and guide soil as it positions dung.

The mouth region works in concert with this surface: the mandibles do the bulk of cutting and breaking material, while the labrum helps contain or guide it. But for the action of pushing soil and maneuvering dung into place, the clypeus provides the broad, flat contact area that makes that work efficient. Other mouthparts are more about cutting, grabbing, or manipulating particles, rather than serving as a wide, stable pushing surface, so the clypeus is the best match for this behavior.