Friday 6 September 2024

Understanding Why the Dung Beetle Hops On Top of Its Ball of Feces

 

I've adored the dung beetle since the first moment I saw a replica in an Egyptian artifact book. The Scarab aka Dung Beetle is a constant in the desert and has a deep connection with Egyptian history.  The Scarab represents strength and perseverance, due to its daily habit of slaving under the hot sun pushing its ball of poop around. 

Scientists wondered why the beetle hops on top of its ball of feces periodically.  Here's more info on that. In the end, they realized that the ball o' poop is cooler on their little feet than the desert sand. But to figure this out, they manufactured and added several cooling techniques to the beetle's body and then feet.  

Oh what we'll do for Science!

Full article here.






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