As said by kellysheroes.
"then TURNED on us like we were maggots on dung".
After a brief research on Dung and beetles.
Dung usually referes to cattle, elephant, and dinosaurs. From what I know maggots are not so much on dung but rather poo. dogs, cats, sheep ect. The Dung beetle however is the one that would more likely be on this dung you speak of.