Saturday, January 2, 2010

Dung Beetles are NOT disgusting (Renewal)


Listen here Mister Bird, you stay away! This dung ball is mine! I've rolled and rolled it for weeks, and I'm not about to let all that hard work go down the drain because some bird-brained ... well.... bird... wants to eat me. Don't you know, in Egypt, they WORSHIPPED me! Oh yeah, I was an ancient symbol of renewal! In fact, they associated me with their god Khepri - the god of the rising sun! Likenesses of me were made into amulets, and we were buried with the Pharaohs!

And speaking of burying, do you realize that by burying and consuming this dung ball, I'm improving nutrient recycling and soil structure. I also keep livestock safe from those vile flies by removing their favorite habitat. Do you know how many diseases they carry? Really, they're disgusting. So, instead of eating me, you should be thanking me!!

12 comments:

Sara Burrier said...

Very clever! I did not know any of that, thanks for sharing it in such a fun way. :)

Susan said...

You rock dung beetle! This is adorable, and thanks for all the info - I only knew about the pharoh bit!

Loni Edwards said...

I love this! Great work, Michelle :)

Jane Grant Tentas said...

Thanks for giving me a good laugh! I loved your commentary as well as the interesting perspective in your illustration!

gila43 said...

Love the story and the drawing.
Hurray for the Dung Beetles!
One is never to old to learn.

Heidi Aldin said...

Really sweet. There was a documentary I think called "All about Dung". It was fascinating, alot on the little dung beetle.

Ann Marie DiVecchia said...

Who knew?! Great idea for renewal! I like the dynamic composition,too!! Well done!!

get zapped said...

Great illo and fun piece! This made me smile :)

Shirley said...

GREAT illustration and post, Michelle! So clever and original. And your characters have such charm. May you have a wonderful 2010 and I will be back for more! : )

Vanessa Brantley Newton said...

He he he he he!! This is so gosh darn brilliant Michelle!!! Oh my goodness. I will never see these guys the same way! What a shift!!! The illustration is awesome. Michelle I have to tell you or give you a compliment. You have grown so much as a writer and illustrator. I have watched you for over a year and a couple of months and each post is better than the one before. I can see such growth and confidence and it's so refreshing and encouraging! I just seeing you coming into yours and it's a beautiful thing.

Sarah Ackerley said...

Oh, haha! "This dung ball is mine!" That's too funny! I really like the illo, too. Thanks for making me laugh :)

Paige Keiser said...

Hahaha, stay back that's MY poop! So cute!