With the file-like forelegs a morsel of convenient size is shaped from the piece of dung placed in the cage.
Father and mother manipulate the piece together, striking it blows with their claws, compressing it, and shaping it into a ball about the size of a big pea.
As in the case of the _Scarabaeus sacer_, the exact spherical form is produced without the mechanical device of rolling the ball.

Before it is moved, even before it is cut loose from its point of support, the fragment is modelled into the shape of a sphere.

The beetle as geometer is aware of the form best adapted to the long preservation of preserved foods.
The ball is soon ready.

It must now be forced to acquire, by means of a vigorous rolling, the crust which will protect the interior from a too rapid evaporation.

The mother, recognisable by her slightly robuster body, takes the place of honour in front.