Abstract

Insect poop comes in a wide variety of shapes and sizes.
It might seem gross at first, but some insects actually use it as food or even as a cozy home!
Humans have even introduced these kinds of insects from abroad to help clean up cow dung on farms.
Let's explore the fascinating, unexpected connection between poop and insects!

Author’s Information

Mitsuru Moriguchi, widely known as "Gettyo-sensei," is a professor at Okinawa University and a renowned naturalist, educator, and author.
Born in Chiba Prefecture in 1962, he graduated from the Department of Biology, Faculty of Science, Chiba University.
He taught biology at Jiyu no Mori Gakuen Junior and Senior High School from 1985 to 2000 before relocating to Okinawa. After serving as an instructor for the non-profit educational organization Sangosya-scholē, he joined the faculty of Okinawa University.
He has written numerous popular books on insects, plants, and science, captivating both children and adults.

Selected works:
"My Collection: Treasure Hunting in Nature" (Fukuinkan Shoten)
"My Acorn Guidebook: Finding and Collecting Acorns" (Iwasaki Shoten)
"The Secret Cockroach Encyclopedia: Compared and Investigated" (Iwasaki Shoten)
"Amazing Insect Chronicles" (Poplar Publishing)
"Welcome! Chemistry: Science Lessons Learned from Grandma" (Iwanami Junior Shinsho)

(The following titles were published by Shonen Shashin Shimbunsha.)
"Amazing Vegetable Botany"
"The Secrets of Fruits That Want to Be Eaten"
"Bone Explorations at the Dining Table"
"The Wisdom of Delicious Grains"
"Evolutionary Wonders Found at the Dining Table"
"The Fallen Leaves Wonder Museum"
"Exploring Pebbles: Connecting with Living Things"
"Amazing Zoology: Comparing Carnivores and Herbivores"
"Understanding Exuviae: The Mystery of Molted Skins"
"The Wisdom of Traveling Seeds and Fruits"
"The Mystery of Convenience-Store-Loving Insects"
"Ladybugs Investigated! Surprising Discoveries"
"Discovering Urban Insects That Live Alongside People"