She fears what might happen to the precious loaf if it were abandoned at the threshold of the burrow until the completion of the dwelling.

There is no lack of midges and tiny dung-beetles--Aphodiinae--which might take possession of it.

It is only prudent to be distrustful.
So the ball is introduced into the pit, half in and half out of the mouth of the burrow.

The mother, below, clasps and pulls; the father, above, moderates the jolts and prevents it from rolling.

All goes well.
Digging is resumed, and the descent continues, always with the same prudence; one beetle dragging the load, the other regulating its descent and clearing away all rubbish that might hinder the operation.