Scarab Beetles

I’m riding my bicycle to the post office and notice bits of doggy-do that appear to be moving on their own! Closer inspection revealed several scarab beetles (aka dung beetles). About an inch long, these impressive insects have beautiful green and orange iridescent backs. This particular species, Phanaeus vindex or Rainbow Scarab, is a “roller” and the most common dung beetle in the lower half of the US. This behavior apparently caught the attention of the Ancient Egyptians who associated the scarab with the rising sun. None of these photos do justice to the bright orange antennae, which give it a very acute sense of smell! Here’s another photo and video of the little bulldozer!