Dung Beetles Follow the Milky Way: Insects Found to Use Stars for Orientation

[celestialstuff]

"Byrne and his team previously proved that dung beetles use the sun, the moon and polarised light for orientation. In their experiments, they gave the beetles "caps" which blocked light from reaching their eyes. The team also discovered that the beetles climb on top of their dung balls to perform an orientation "dance" during which they locate light sources to use for orientation.

Now, further experiments, conducted under the simulated night sky of the Wits Planetarium, have shown that the beetles also use the Mohawk of the Milky Way -- giving new meaning to dancing with the stars!"

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Off the Latest Things page

[needled_ink_1975]

I love dung beetles. Several species visit often... sans dung, thankfully: they can't carry it while flying :)

Also, sometimes my country (South Africa) is so cool.

Thanks for posting!

–Nici

Re: Off the Latest Things page

[celestialstuff]

Beautiful photos! Thanks for your comment. :D