A hardworking, unique, and energetic insect, the Scarab Beetle holds a powerful place in Ancient Egypt, and its symbolism still rings true for many people today. You may recognize this beetle’s unique body shape from numerous representations in Hollywood adventure movies as the Egyptians often made it into amulets and talismans; Its distinctive shape was prevalent in their art and mythology.

Read along as we explore the Scarab Beetle’s physical characteristics, symbolism, and connection to duality.

What is a Scarab Beetle?

A member of the Dung Beetle family, these insects range in size from 5 millimetres to 6-7 centimeters long. Their hard body, like all insects, is made up of a head, thorax, and abdomen. Overall, they are oval-shaped, with six legs.

A notable surprise is that their wings are typically hidden within their hard shell. When the Scarab takes to flight, you will see their wings are quite stunning, ranging in colour from bronze to metallic green and blue.

Highly recognizable due to its unique head, a true Scarab has six small projections coming from its head. Other members of this vast species group can have a small horn on their head that can be used for a number of survival reasons.

Scarab Beetle Symbolism in Ancient Eygpt

Most commonly found in the Middle East and Northern African desserts, Scarab Beetles were believed to be sacred and had protective powers. As a result, the Ancient Egyptians often crafted amulets and talismans in their shape. These precious works of art were buried with the dead for safe passage to the other side.

(Winged Scarab Pectoral of Tutankhamun, Photo: Andreas F. Voegelin)

The Scarab represented power and strength to the Egyptian people, and it is often depicted as a symbol of Khepri, the god of the morning sun. There are a few reasons they made this connection:

• The Egyptians believed the Scarab would roll the sun across the sky, as it does with dung on earth.
• Their head has six small projections that resemble the rising sun
• This small but mighty insect can push 50-200 times their weight
• They felt the Scarab Beetle symbolised regeneration, transformation, resurrection, and rebirth due to its ability to play dead, live in the dirt, break down fecal matter, and emerge sometime later, flying to the heavens with their previously unseen wings.

Because of their unique qualities and behaviours, the ancient Egyptians held the Scarab in very high regard.

(The King Tut exhibit at the San Diego Natural History Museum, photo by Christian Rodas * U-T San Diego)

The Scarab Beetle and Connection

The Scarab Beetle embodies the essence of Connection — bridging our inner and outer worlds, body and spirit, and our link to the Divine. It teaches us that within these mirrors lies the One, residing within us, empowering us to unlock our true potential.

The Scarab's timeless wisdom reveals the eternal cycle of life and death, a profound Connection to the Divine. This cycle reminds us that we are whole, guiding us to embrace our purpose and navigate life's changes with grace.

The Scarab Beetle reminds you of the Divine essence within. 

Beetle Art from Empath Designs: Scarab Connection

This stunning work from the Volucris collection is a visual reminder that living your best and most whole life means leaning into our self-connection. In this dance of Connection, discover your inner power, transcend boundaries, and manifest your desires with unwavering purpose — unfolding in harmony with the eternal, for we are, and forever will be, One.

All work from Empath Designs is lovingly created by Germaine with the hopes of helping others to embrace nature and invoking introspective thought and gratitude. This giclée print comes on bamboo paper, and its delivery is carbon neutral.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is special about the Scarab Beetle?

The Scarab Beetle is a very unique insect:

• They come in two groups: rollers which roll dung, and dwellers, which feed on decaying matter in the soil.
• They are powerful: they can push up to 50 times their weight.
• They can roll dung in a straight line even though they cannot see in front of it.
• Scarabs use the sun and stars to navigate long distances.
• Dung beetles can play deal for several hours and ‘resurrect’ themselves suddenly.
• These insects play a crucial role in the breakdown of fecal matter, and decomposing plants and animals.

Are Scarab Beetles and Dung Beetles the same?

Scarabs are a type of Dung Beetle. They have many similarities and a few differences:

• Scarabs are smaller in size.
• Dung Beetles have a horn projection on their head to dig, defend, or attract a mate.
• Scarabs have six projections on their head
• Dung Beetles can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
• You can only find scarabs in North Africa, southern Europe, and a few parts of Asia.

Are Scarabs extinct?

Definitely not. Scarabs and Dung Beetles are a vast and diverse group of insects that you can find hard at work all throughout the world.