Tumble-Bug

a beetle known by the habit of rolling spheres of dung in early summer. These they roll long distances, working two and two together, and finally bury them in quiet corners. The female lays an egg in one side of the ball, which serves for the food and protection of the young maggot. The ends of the feelers or antennae of the tumble bugs are flattened like spades. The wing covers are so short as to expose the tip of the abdomen. The bugs are generally black, but are frequently brilliantly colored. See article on SCARABAEUS, the sacred tumble-bug of Egypt.