Morocco: Scarab beetles at Erg Chebbi dunes

Scarab beetles are in many way as emblematic of the Sahara as are camel caravans and endless seas of sand dune. Worshipped in ancient Egypt as god-like creature responsible for turning day into night and vice versa (the association came from the dung balls that the beetles roll), they are common dwellers of the desert environment, active at sunrise and sunset when the temperatures are tolerable. The beetles are quite big, almost 2 inches (5cm) long, trekking their way across the red sands.