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Scarab - Dung Beetle

Euoniticellus intermedius ?

Photo by MickGrant
Published on Project Noah
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-23.8214, 31.4456

Field Notes

Description:

Beetle rolling Elephant dung along a track - most impressive strength against the size of the ball.

Habitat:

Savanna - Grassland where animals distribute dung

Species ID Suggestions

Comments (4)

Too bad that in 10 months in Egypt I didn't get to see any of these,... one would think, no? :) I didn't know there were different types - cool :) And that guide sounds like a character :) *grinning at Lars' comment* :)
Scarab1: "This way!" Scarab2: "No! That way!" Nice catch.
I believe thay are quite numerous where there are animals - I understand from Wiki = Many dung beetles, known as rollers, are noted for rolling dung into spherical balls, which are used as a food source or brooding chambers. Other dung beetles, known as tunnelers, bury the dung wherever they find it. A third group, the dwellers, neither roll nor burrow: they simply live in manure. They are often attracted by the dung burrowing owls collect. These were pointed out to us from our guide who had a very beaten up old Landrover that needed attention under the bonnet (hood) at times (very entertaining) - he carried a gun.
This must be fascinating to watch! :D Lucky you to have caught them :)
Photographed
PublishedJuly 24, 2011

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