Subject: Dung Beetle, Canthon vigilans

Location: Rockbridge County, Virginia

Stock Number: 1900-23

Comments: The scoop-like device at the front of the beetle allows the beetle to form dung into a ball. Then, by tumbling the ball along it the ball is compacted and made more spherical. The beetles lay eggs in the dung balls, bury them, and the larvae feed on the dung.

These beetles reportedly were more common in the days of horse and buggy!