FABRE'S BOOK OF INSECTS 



The ball is soon ready. It must now, by vigorous 

 rolling, be given the crust which will protect the soft 

 stuff within from becoming too dry. The mother, who 

 can be recognised by her slightly larger size, harnesses 

 herself in the place of honour, in front. With her long 

 hind-legs on the ground and her fore-legs on the ball, 

 she hauls it towards her, backwards. The father pushes 

 behind in the reverse position, head downwards. It is 

 precisely the same method as that of the Sacred Beetle 

 when working in twos, but it has another object. The 

 Sisyphus team conveys a store of food for the grubs, 

 whereas the big pill-rollers trundle a banquet which they 

 themselves will eat up underground. 



The couple start off along the ground. They have 

 no definite goal, but walk in a direct line, without regard 

 to the obstacles that lie in the way. In this backward 

 march the obstacles could not be avoided; but even if 

 they were seen the Sisyphus would not try to go round 

 them. For she even makes obstinate attempts to climb 

 the wire-work of my cage. This is an arduous and im- 

 possible task. Clawing the meshes of the gauze with 

 her hind-legs the mother pulls the load towards her; 

 then, putting her fore-legs round it, she holds it sus- 

 pended in air. The father, finding nothing to stand 

 upon, clings to the ball encrusts himself in it, so to 

 speak, thus adding his weight to that of the lump, and 

 taking no further pains. The effort is too great to last. 



[204] 



