They are very small, scarcely larger than a cherry-stone.

Their shape is extremely curious.

The body is dumpy, tapering to an acorn-shaped posterior; the legs are very long, resembling those of the spider when outspread; the hinder legs are disproportionately long and curved, being thus excellently adapted to enlace and press the little pilule of dung.
Mating takes place towards the beginning of May, on the surface of the soil, among the remains of the sheep-dung on which the beetles have been feeding.

Soon the moment for establishing the family arrives.

With equal zeal the two partners take part in the kneading, transport, and baking of the food for their offspring.