Dung beetles look to the stars

JOHANNESBURG, Feb 2:  A species of South African dung beetle has been shown to use the Milky Way to navigate, making it the only known animal that turns to the galactic spray of stars across the night sky for direction. Researchers have known for several years that the inch-long insects use the sun or moon as fixed points to ensure they keep rolling dung balls in a straight line – the quickest way of getting away from other beetles at the dung heap. (agencies)