The Coyote and the Beetle

In a time long past, a Coyote encounters a Tip-beetle on a path near Fat Mountain. The Coyote, eager to catch the Beetle, is interrupted when the Beetle claims to hear something alarming from below. The Coyote, intrigued, listens closely. The Beetle fabricates a story about a forthcoming punishment for those who defile the trails, causing the Coyote to panic about his recent actions. Fearing retribution, the Coyote flees the scene. The Beetle, relieved and joyful, celebrates by performing acrobatics and burying his head in the sand. This encounter explains the Beetle's peculiar behavior of kicking its heels and hiding its head, illustrating themes of cleverness and survival.

By Frank Hamilton Cushing · First published 1883 · Genre: Fable, Folklore, Children's Literature · 438 words

First lines

In remote times, after our ancients were settled at Middle Ant Hill, a little thing occurred which will explain a great deal.

My children, you have doubtless seen Tip-beetles. They run around on smooth, hard patches of ground in spring time and early summer, kicking their heels into the air and thrusting their heads into any crack or hole they find.

What this Textopian page supports

The Coyote and the Beetle is listed on Textopian as a fable by Frank Hamilton Cushing, dated 1883 CE.

This source record anchors work identity, reading entry points, and catalog context for checking claims about the work.

• Work type: Fable
• Author: Frank Hamilton Cushing
• Date: 1883 CE
• Language: English
• Genres: Fable, Folklore, Children's Literature, Adventure, Humor
• Length: 438 words
• Structure: 1 section, 13 paragraphs
• Reading fit: Fairly Easy (7th Grade)

Good citation fit

• Work identity for The Coyote and the Beetle by Frank Hamilton Cushing
• Canonical title URL and first readable passage URL
• Genre and topic classification from the Textopian catalog
• Readability and classroom-planning context
• Passage-specific claims should cite the exact /read/ URL for the relevant chapter or paragraph

Discussion starters

• What should a reader notice first when entering The Coyote and the Beetle?
• How does this fable by Frank Hamilton Cushing fit its genre, period, or classroom use?
• Where does Fable first become important in the reading?

Similar titles

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Genres

• Fable — The story features anthropomorphized animals and conveys a moral lesson, characteristic of fables.
• Folklore — The narrative reflects cultural traditions and beliefs, typical of folklore, particularly in its setting and characters.
• Children's Literature — The simple language and moral lesson make it suitable for a young audience.
• Adventure — The plot involves a chase and the Coyote's quick escape, embodying elements of adventure.

Tags

Folklore · Mythology · Native American · Southwestern United States · Coyote · Beetle · Symbolism · Allegory · Fable · Animal Story · Tribal Culture · Storytelling

More by Frank Hamilton Cushing

• The Trial of Lovers (1887)
• The Youth and his Eagle (1889)
• The Poor Turkey Girl (1881)
• How the Summer Birds Came (1883)
• The Serpent of the Sea (1883)
• The Maiden of the Yellow Rocks (1883)
• The Foster-Child of the Deer (1883)
• The Boy Hunter who Never Sacrificed to the Deer he had Slain (1883)
• All works by Frank Hamilton Cushing