π¦Insects
Dung Beetles Navigate Using the Milky Way
Some species of dung beetles are the only known non-human animals to navigate using the Milky Way galaxy as a compass.
About this fact
African dung beetles (Scarabaeus satyrus) roll balls of dung in straight lines to escape competition at the dung pile. To maintain their straight course, especially at night, they use the faint band of light from the Milky Way. Scientists confirmed this by placing tiny hats on the beetles to block their view of the sky, causing them to lose their way. They can also use the moon and polarized light for navigation.