It is true that scarabs eat people. Holy Scarab

The sacred scarab (lat. Scarabaeus sacer) is a beetle of the Lamellar beetle family (lat. Scarabaeidae), common in North and East Africa, as well as in southern Europe and South-West Asia.

Because of their habit of rolling dung into balls and rolling them towards their homes, scarabs have been associated since time immemorial with the forces that move the Sun across the sky.

In Ancient Egypt, they became sacred insects, which were considered the incarnation of the god Khepri, responsible for the movement of the Sun. Khepri was depicted as a beetle or a man with the head of a beetle and personified new life and resurrection from the dead.

The Egyptians produced huge quantities of amulets depicting scarabs. They were made from clay, faience, stone, ivory and metal. The image of the scarab was on the seals used to seal documents and seal doors.

It was customary to give way to him, and the deliberate murder of a sacred insect was considered as an encroachment on the foundations of the universe and could cost the villain his life.

Behavior

The sacred scarab lives mainly in hot semi-deserts with dry sandy soils, avoiding saline areas. Adult beetles emerge en masse in early spring, emerging from the ground.

They fly well, so they gather in friendly flocks and roam noisily around the surrounding area following migrating herds of ungulates. They pick up the smell of manure from a distance of several kilometers and unmistakably flock to the feast.

Each beetle tries to quickly grab a larger tasty morsel and hide it in a shelter away from its eternally hungry relatives. To deliver a treat to a secluded place, he uses his long hind legs to form an impressive ball of manure and begins to quickly push it.

Scarabs are unusually strong and easily roll balls several dozen times their own weight. Typically, a dung ball has a diameter of up to 8 cm.

A tunnel dug underground serves as a reliable refuge for a tireless worker. The length of the tunnel can reach one meter. Having reached home, the beetle buries itself in the ground along with its prey and feeds on it for several days.

Some individuals specialize only in the feces of a certain type of animal, and categorically disdain the products of others. Elephant dung is considered a special delicacy among them.

Curious biologists, after painstaking practical research, discovered that in one standard elephant heap weighing about 100 kg, on average, almost 16,000 scarabs enjoy life. Each of them can bury a portion of manure into the ground overnight, the weight of which is 250 times greater than its own weight.

Reproduction

The first romantic date of beetles in love takes place, naturally, on a dung heap. The gallant gentleman presents the chosen one of his heart with a large, especially carefully rolled dung ball. If the beauty’s heart trembles at the sight of such a yummy, then she joins the male, and together they begin to roll the ball towards the male’s shelter.

From time to time, she, overwhelmed with surging feelings, climbs onto the ball, giving her admirer the honorable right to work for two. Having reached the dwelling, the young wife, as the hostess, is the first to enter the tunnel previously dug by her husband and begins to dig side chambers in it.

At this time, the happy male tirelessly rolls home more and more portions of crap. The female transforms the delivered balls into peculiar “pears”. She lays one egg at a time in the narrow part of the “pear” and carefully places them in the nests. Each nest can contain up to 5 eggs.

The female carefully seals the openings of the tubules in which the eggs are located with her feces. Her restless husband, using the motto: “If you’ve done the job, go for a walk!”, goes in search of his next passion.

A caring mother stands alone for 2 months near the clutch, removing larval feces and cleaning the burrow from mold.

During this time, the larvae undergo three stages of development. When food supplies run out, they wisely pupate.

The following spring or after heavy autumn rains, adult beetles emerge from the pupae. The first thing they do is eat the remains of their “pears” and, having had a good meal, crawl to the surface and begin an independent life.

Description

The body length of an adult sacred scarab reaches 2.6-3.7 cm. The body is protected by a thick shell with longitudinal grooves.

The color is dark, with a greenish or black metallic tint. The head is flat and resembles a shovel. Powerful mandibles have turned into tiny shovels, allowing them to dig deep tunnels underground.

Short antennas are branched into several plates. The wide tibiae of the first pair of front legs are equipped with large teeth and are used for digging the ground. The strong and long third pair of limbs is adapted to hold and roll a dung ball.

Long transparent wings are hidden under the shell of the elytra. The elytra are rigid and cover the second pair of wings.

The scarab beetle is an arthropod insect with hard wings and antennae resembling plates. A functional feature of the antennae is that they can open up like a fan. Refers to sandy soil orderlies.

Habitat

They prefer arid and hot areas with sandy soils. The scarab beetle lives in the desert, semi-desert, dry steppe, and savannah.

Habitat

The bulk lives in tropical Africa, in the territory Western Europe. They can also be found in Ukraine, in the regions of Crimea, Dagestan, Georgia, Spain, France, Yugoslavia, Albania, Bulgaria, Greece, Turkey, Arabia, and the lower Volga.

Appearance

There are about 100 varieties in total. Egyptian scarab beetles have a black carapace and range from 1 to 4 cm in length. The body has a wide and oval shape, covered with chitin (a durable covering). Young individuals have a matte color, old and worn ones have a shiny color.

The abdomen and legs are covered with dark brown hairs and fluff. Males are distinguished by a bright red fringe with a golden tint, located on inside hind legs. On the head of the scarab beetle, a transverse shape is located with a clypeus with teeth. The front legs are also equipped with teeth.

Nutrition

The main diet is cattle excrement and. He loves horseback the most. He willingly rolls it into balls of different sizes, then buries it in the ground for later use as food.

The scarab beetle feeds on a dung ball until it completely eats it, all this time it lives in the place where it was buried. These balls are created only from fresh manure before it dries out. The beetle can also eat decomposed organic products. Rotten leaves, flowers and grass.

Reproduction

Before mating, a couple of the opposite sex begins to prepare food for future use, for the offspring. First, Egyptian scarab beetles dig deep holes (from 10 to 30 cm) with their paws. After digging, the male crawls away, but the female remains.

She sculpts oval shapes from the dung for each egg separately. Then she makes a hole in each dung ball and lays an egg there. After this, the entrance to the hole is covered.

The life cycle consists of 4 stages

Egg (from 5 to 12 days);
Larva (1 month);
Pupa (14 days);
Adult.

Lifespan

All stages take about 2 months. sacred beetle The scarab lives for about 3 months.

Enemies

Due to the fact that it is very noticeable and slow, it is an easy prey for birds and some mammals. It is hunted by crows and small ones (moles, hedgehogs and others). They are eaten in large numbers.

But there is a more dangerous enemy. This is a tick that is capable of breaking through the protective chitinous layer in order to drink all its blood. It often happens that one scarab beetle is attacked by several mites at once.

The beetle is the strongest and hardest working insect in the whole world.
Has great strength, and is capable of moving 90 times its own weight.
Can create a perfectly smooth geometric figure- a sphere that can essentially be called a unique natural skill.

Egyptian mythology, symbol, meaning

The scarab beetle is a symbol of Egypt. According to legend, it resembles the path of the Sun, and was born from the desert sands. In ancient times, the Egyptians associated it with the symbol of solar power, and with rebirth in the afterlife.

Even the mythological creator, the world and the man of God in ancient Egypt were depicted with the head of the Scarab Beetle. In Egypt, many sculptures, amulets and decorations in the form of a sacred beetle have been preserved. His images are found in tombs, sculptures and other historical structures.

Scarabs extract moisture from the fog. He stands against the wind and spreads his wings. After a certain time, the scarab beetle high areas moisture appears on the head and collects in a drop. Then this drop flows directly into his mouth. During flight, the wings do not fully open, which violates all the laws of aerodynamics. Makes a masterly flight that even a bird would envy.

The amulet of a scarab beetle with its image has the ability to protect the owner from evil forces, negative circumstances, create harmony in energy, and give self-confidence.

The scarab beetle is one of the most revered symbols. It was believed that this small beetle follows the path of the Sun. In Egyptian mythology, the scarab was revered as a sacred insect of the Sun gods and was considered a symbol of creative power and rebirth in the afterlife.

In fact, the scarab beetle is one of the types of dung beetle familiar to us all.

Sacred Scarab Beetle

Some may be surprised by the fact that in Ancient Egypt the common dung beetle was considered a real idol. Moreover, even today, some Egyptians still believe that the scarab beetle brings happiness and happiness.

In this article we have selected for you the most Interesting Facts about the scarab beetle, as well as amulets and jewelry with this insect.

Typically, scarabs live in regions with warm climate. They reach a length of 2 to 4 cm, and their bodies are covered with black shells. Having found a pile of dung, these beetles immediately begin to make balls out of it.

The scarab first makes a small ball of dung and then begins to roll it forward until a large round ball is formed. Very often, the ball made by the beetle exceeds its own dimensions.

There are cases when scarabs, not wanting to work, forcefully take ready-made balls from their relatives. An interesting fact is that scarab beetles roll dung balls strictly from east to west, always focusing only on the Sun.

In search of the most suitable place for themselves, they are able to roll their lump over a distance of 20-40 meters. After this, they lay eggs in the ball and then bury it in the soil for 4 weeks.

When the time is up, the scarabs dig up their balls and immerse them in the liquid. After a certain period of time, small bugs begin to appear from them.

Scarab beetle and Egypt

Why did the Egyptians worship the scarab as a deity? The fact is that they considered it symbolic that the beetles roll their balls from east to west, that is, in the same direction in which the Sun moves.

According to myths, the Sun comes from darkness and then rises during the day. The Scarab also follows the Solar route, resurrecting from a dung ball.

According to legend, Khepri was the god who knew the secrets of the Sun. He was depicted with the head of a scarab rolling the Sun across the sky.

Thus, the scarab beetle represented the birth of new life. The ancient Egyptians were confident that Khepri the scarab protected them not only during life on earth, but also in the other world.

They believed that even in human remains the soul is preserved. Immediately after a person dies, she rises into the sky and continues to live there.

It is for this reason that when a body was mummified, the heart was removed from it in advance, and a scarab figurine was placed in its place.

In addition, precious items with an image of a scarab holding a solar disk were placed on the chest of the deceased.

These beetles were painted on many things: on jewelry, boxes, talismans and other objects. The Egyptians believed that data could give people great power and help people cope with their life's difficulties.

Scarab figures were often made from green stones, as it was believed that this color symbolizes rebirth. Skilled craftsmen wrote words about the sacrament of resurrection on jewelry.

Drawings with scarab beetles are found in archaeological excavations tombs, as well as on ancient papyri. Some finds date back to 3-4 thousand years BC. e.

One of the most famous and revered scarab statues is located in the Karnak Temple, built near Luxor. They were very popular on the body, since the Egyptians were confident that life in the other world was much more important than earthly life.

So, a tattoo with a scarab represented something like an entrance to the afterlife.

In conclusion, it should be said that the ancient Egyptians took everyday things extremely seriously, resorting to animism (belief in the animation of nature) and zoolatry (worship).

Photo of scarab beetle

Photos of scarab beetles often differ. And the point here is not a mistake, but the fact that there really are several types of them. Below are photos of a scarab beetle.

Scarab tattoo

Since primitive times, people have worshiped gods and sacred animals. IN different countries, y different nations They had their own animals - from insects to cattle. An insect revered in ancient Egypt was the scarab beetle. Mysticism in its most banal form - essentially a scarab - close relative dung beetle.

And the ancient Egyptians considered them sacred; only high-ranking persons could wear amulets with a scarab. So, today is a scarab beetle, from the order of beetles, the family Lamelidae.

Beauty of the talisman

Scarabs are from 1 to 5 centimeters long, with a large, usually broadly oval or parallel-sided body, slightly convex at the top and bottom. There are long dark hairs on the paws, the head is transverse, the so-called “digging”. In front of the clypeus there are 4 powerful teeth, the rounded cheeks have a front edge elongated into a tooth, the head has 6 teeth in total. Long elytra, which are twice as long as the predorsum, the front 4 tibiae are digging, the rest are thin and long, saber-shaped. Sexual dimorphism in scarab beetles is practically not developed. The color of beetles is almost always black, matte.

Scarab beetle habitat

About 90 species of the genus of scarab beetle are now known, and most of them live mainly in the regions tropical Africa. In the Indo-Malayan region, 4 species of scarab beetle are found; in Australia and the Western Hemisphere, scarabs are not found, at least to date, they have not been found there; about 20 representatives of the species live in the Palearctic region, and in the territory of the former Soviet Union approximately 8 species.

Scarab Lifestyle

Representatives of scarabs greatly respect hot, dry summer weather. Beetles appear in the spring, during cold nights, are active during the hottest hours of the day, and in the summer they again switch to nocturnal mode, when the time of intensive flights to light sources begins. The scarab's favorite pastime is rolling up dung balls, which are often larger in size than the beetle itself. The scarab rolls the finished ball to a distance of up to several tens of meters, where it buries it in the ground, after which the ball serves as food for one or two beetles.

Fights often occur between fellow beetles if someone wants to appropriate someone else’s, already prepared ball. During the process of making the ball, the beetles “get to know each other” and create pairs, after which they begin to work together, preparing food for their offspring. Females and males dig holes up to 30 centimeters long, at the end of which they form a nesting chamber in which mating occurs.

The scarab beetle is not only a good “pusher”, “flyer”, but also a notable “digger”.

After mating, the male leaves the hole, and the female begins to arrange a home, creating several pear-shaped ovoids. A “cradle” with an egg is placed in the narrow part, after which the entrance to the hole is filled up. Fertilized females can make more than a dozen nest burrows. The egg lies for about 2 weeks, then a larva appears, which after 30-40 days turns into a pupa, which lies for another 2 weeks. The beetles, having “emerged” from the pupae, remain inside the ovoid, transformed into a “false cocoon,” for a very long time, until spring or autumn rains soften them, and sometimes they overwinter there.

This unique monument to the scarab beetle appeared in one of the cities of Russia. A hint that it’s time to free the earth from the “kaka” that people leave behind. In particular, rubber tires.

Scarab and man

The ancient Egyptians revered the scarab beetle. Until now, he is considered a protector from bad energy, all sorts of troubles, and even mortal dangers. The walls of the house, figurines, amulets decorated with the image of a scarab beetle not only protect, but also bring good luck, success in work and any endeavors. Scarab figurines were used for various rituals and rituals, such as treating women for infertility, for example.

There is no need to introduce the scarab, even though it is not very common in Russia. Most of us, at the mere mention of this insect, think of Egypt. This is not accidental, because honoring him and attributing magical properties it came from there. Read below why the Egyptians revered the simple dung beetle so much, and what power the scarab amulet is endowed with.

Amulet "Scarab Beetle"

In appearance, this is an unremarkable insect, very large, with a matte black back and fringed legs. Its length can reach 37 mm. At the same time, the head and antennae are small, but the body and legs are powerful.

Now in Egypt, at every step you can come across images of a scarab. This is the legacy of an ancient civilization that enriched world culture. Mostly paintings on the walls of tombs are found. It can be seen no less often on jewelry, which is widely represented in museums. All this was obtained from tombs and sarcophagi preserved from the times ancient egypt. Mysteries shroud these objects to this day. Thus, the scarab amulet from Tutankhamun’s pyramid is decorated with an oval stone, which researchers initially mistook for. Further research showed that this is a special glass that has no analogues. The origin of this material is still unknown.

Another mystery of the scarab from the tomb of the great Egyptian is the curse of the jewelry stolen from the tomb. For many years, until the item returned to its homeland, it brought misfortune to its owners.

You will hear this and many other stories in Egypt itself. One of the most famous scarab sculptures is located in Luxor, in the Karnak temple complex. There is a scarab statue located here. Be sure to visit this place, after all. To do this, you need to walk around the sculpture seven times, keeping your cherished thoughts in your head.

History of the scarab symbol

Scarab Beetle Symbol

People, observing these beetles, which are very common in Africa, noticed a peculiarity of behavior: they roll balls of regular shape from dung, larger than themselves, and hardworkingly roll them from east to west. They travel a long distance, pushing a heavy burden. During the creation of the ball, the scarab acquires a pair. Together they lay larvae, for which the stored manure becomes both a cradle and food.

In the minds of the Egyptians, the sun, the fiery sphere, makes the same journey from sunrise to sunset. It goes out in the world of shadows and is reborn every morning, bringing life to everything on earth. So the scarab rolls a ball, huge in comparison with it, storing in it the germ of a new life.

The scarab was identified with Khepri, the god rising sun. He was even depicted on frescoes with a beetle instead of a head.

Symbolism and meaning of the talisman

The scarab is found in various types. One of the most popular images is a beetle spreading its wings with fireball ahead. The wings are like two eyes. One of them is associated with the sun and sees during the day, and the other at night, he is associated with the moon. So the scarab carries the meaning of rebirth to life. This is a reminder that you can get out of any situation, out of any trouble, you can be resurrected using the wisdom of your heart.

In addition, you can find figurines made from any materials, both precious and simple. Often magic words and wise sayings are applied to them, which gives the talisman even greater power.

Why use an amulet

The scarab has become a symbol of resurrection, rebirth, renewal. The belief was reflected in the funeral rites of ancient Egypt. The soul is released from the body after death and continues its journey. The scarab was the impulse for the flight of the soul to another world, the impulse that helped the spirit to be reborn. To do this, instead of a heart, a talisman with the image of a scarab was placed in the body of the deceased. That is why most of the finds came from tombs. Nowadays such rituals are not carried out. However, the scarab still reminds us of beauty, of the inner strength hidden in a person and the ability to overcome obstacles and be reborn even after enormous upheavals. It will become a great gift for a person who has lost the will to live, finds himself in a difficult situation and needs support.

It is also a symbol of the student’s path. Just as a scarab creates an ideal form from a shapeless mass, so a student gains knowledge from scattered facts and misconceptions, forming his personality and accumulating wisdom. This sign should accompany students throughout the entire journey.

This scarab talisman also helps women who dream of children. In Egypt, a medicine made from dried and crushed beetles was common. Nowadays they do not resort to this method, but a talisman with the image of a sacred insect will help. An insect figurine would be appropriate in any home where there is a lack of children and family happiness.

Varieties of scarab talisman

This is an incredibly popular image that has gone beyond the borders of the republic; it is used in many places. Here are the main examples:

Figurines. They can be large and become the guardians of the hearth, attracting happiness to the house. They are most often made of semi-precious stones, but wooden ones are also found. Small figurines are intended to be carried with you. At the same time, contact with the human body charges the amulet with strong energy and its effect increases and is directed towards a specific person - its owner.
. In ancient times, tattoos with scarabs were applied to their bodies by priests. This helped them to be reborn and continue to exist even after death. Now they are also used, symbolizing the immortal soul of the owner. Such a body sign gives self-confidence to the one who wears it and protects from bad influences. The tattoo is placed on the neck, back, behind the ear, or on the arm.
Jewelry. One of the most common types of amulet. When using it, it is worth remembering that this is not a decoration, but a talisman, so it is advisable to hide it from prying eyes and try to keep the jewelry in contact with the body. From time to time the decoration needs to be recharged by exposing it to the rays of the sun.

Whatever type of amulet you choose, remember that it is your faith, strength and purity of thoughts that gives it magic.

Scarab as a gift

It is quite natural to want to bring a souvenir from your trip as a souvenir to your relatives and friends. At the same time, choose not just a trifle, but a truly meaningful gift. In this regard, a scarab item can be an excellent choice. You just have to remember some rules:

Do not buy a souvenir with signs on it if you do not know their meaning. Any symbol has magical powers. Wrong interpretation can lead to troubles in life;
Remember and give it to someone who needs it: a couple who dreams of children, a student facing important exams, someone who has lost faith in himself;
You should not give such a gift to a deeply religious person. The scarab does not belong to the symbols of the Christian faith, therefore it may be unpleasant and even harmful to a devout person;
When presenting a gift, be sure to tell about its meaning and how best to use it;
Give with all your heart, with a pure heart and a sincere desire to help.

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