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Egyptian Dung, Beetle
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On A Heap Of Dung
A group of several Egyptian Dung Beetles clambered over a heap of dung. The saw-like surface of their front legs aided them in rolling bits of dung into a ball. The balls were later rolled into an underground chamber so that it could feed its offspring; behavior which inspired Ancient Egyptians to compare it Khepri the Sun God.
Egyptian Dung Beetle (Scarabaeus sacer) • San Diego Zoo Balboa Park, San Diego, California • (Photo posted Wednesday 23 March 2011) • (Photo taken 12:01:43 Wednesday 13 October 2010) • © 2011 Bryan Costales #BCX_9982 Add a comment or report a mistake
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Beneficial Insect
Because dung beetles bury and consume dung, they help recycle nutrients . They also protect livestock, such as cattle, by removing dung which, if left in place, could provide habitat for harmful pests such as flies.
Egyptian Dung Beetle (Scarabaeus sacer) • San Diego Zoo Balboa Park, San Diego, California • (Photo posted Wednesday 23 March 2011) • (Photo taken 12:01:51 Wednesday 13 October 2010) • © 2011 Bryan Costales #BCX_9983 Add a comment or report a mistake
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Iridescent Body
When the Egyptian Dung Beetle catches the light just right it can iridesce into bright fire-like colors.
Egyptian Dung Beetle (Scarabaeus sacer) • San Diego Zoo Balboa Park, San Diego, California • (Photo posted Wednesday 23 March 2011) • (Photo taken 12:02:31 Wednesday 13 October 2010) • © 2011 Bryan Costales #BCX_9985 Add a comment or report a mistake
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