Edsito State Park, SC. Dung Beetle, Geotrupes balyi. After capturing the dung, a dung beetle will roll it, following a straight line despite all obstacles. Dung beetles can roll up to 50 times their weight. The "rollers" roll and bury a dung ball either for food storage or for making a brooding ball. As in this case, two beetles, one male and one female were present during the rolling process. The male rolls the ball, with the female hitch-hiking. When a spot with soft soil is found, they stop and bury the dung ball. They will then mate underground. After the mating, both or one of them will prepare the brooding ball. When the ball is finished, the female lays eggs inside it, a form of mass provisioning. Some species do not leave after this stage, but remain to safeguard their offspring.

Edsito State Park, SC. Dung Beetle, Geotrupes balyi. After capturing the dung, a dung beetle will roll it, following a straight line despite all obstacles. Dung beetles can roll up to 50 times their weight. The "rollers" roll and bury a dung ball either for food storage or for making a brooding ball. As in this case, two beetles, one male and one female were present during the rolling process. The male rolls the ball, with the female hitch-hiking. When a spot with soft soil is found, they stop and bury the dung ball. They will then mate underground. After the mating, both or one of them will prepare the brooding ball. When the ball is finished, the female lays eggs inside it, a form of mass provisioning. Some species do not leave after this stage, but remain to safeguard their offspring.