I think that this creature has such a low Dredge number because it doesn't suite a Dredge strategy so well. It's designed to be a beatdown creature, and in its role it performes very well. I'm glad that not every Golgari card isn't created to be a combo graveyard-breaker, because it would be so boring.
Great card, one of the best 
creature ever created, so reliable!
As ClockworkSwordfish said, 5/5, no question AT ALL!
Posted By:
leomistico
(10/12/2011 1:40:03 PM)
A 4/4 for five mana, and can sac to draw cards, with Dredge synergy, is a very powerful card. Under old rule this bug could also be sacrificed AFTER it deals the damage, which is killer in combat.
4/5, due to the new rules :(
EDIT: The ruling has an interesting tip - "You may sacrifice Grave-Shell Scarab to pay for its first ability, then replace that draw using the Scarab's dredge ability. The result is that the top card of your library is put into your graveyard and Grave-Shell Scarab returns to your hand (after a brief trip to the graveyard)."
Posted By:
Cyberium
(7/18/2010 10:19:30 PM)
Super secret ability: 
, put the top card of your library into your graveyard: return Grave-Shell Scarab to your hand.
I love this card, not least because it's a giant green scarab that digs up graves. A recurrable 4/4 that can draw you cards is even better.
Posted By:
Trygon_Predator
(5/13/2012 10:48:14 AM)
Seems kind of weird for a card this powerful to have such a low Dredge number.
I mean, sure it's no grave troll, but that's still a good effect.
Posted By:
HairlessThoctar
(6/13/2011 6:43:56 AM)
If its going to die anyway, you might as well pay and get a card out of it.
Or if you have Savra.
Posted By:
Etregan
(11/28/2009 3:22:51 AM)
another card made worse be the m10 rules change...
Posted By:
brunsbr103
(2/16/2010 6:44:40 PM)
Quite possibly one of the best insect cards in the game of magic.
Posted By:
SavageBrain89
(7/29/2009 7:25:33 PM)
@ClockworkSwordfish I agree it's very nice, but the best in colour combination... check out spiritmonger
anyway, it was really and truly amazing when damage went to the stack and you could sacrifice AND asign
Posted By:
Lueseto
(11/12/2011 10:31:10 PM)
This creature is 5/5, no question AT ALL. One of my all-time favourite creatures, and almost certainly the best of its colour combination.
4/4 for 5 is okay, maybe a bit weak given its wonky mana cost, but the ability to cycle for makes up for it.
However, the fact that you can immediately recur him makes him INCREDIBLY reliable, and thus valuable. You will never want for another recursive blocker while he's around. Every turn he is there for you, and doesn't even eat your draws if you do it properly. In EDH this is a gift from above; so often he just shut down someone's huge non-trampler, since they know that if they attack, I'll just be out five mana, and potentially up a card.
This isn't even getting into his amazing Dredge interactions, which, if you'll pardon the pun, are at this point, gravy.
Posted By:
ClockworkSwordfish
(4/5/2011 10:27:29 PM)
could some1 tell me why this is soo good? i get the sacrifice drege thing but anything else?
Posted By:
theonlymoocow
(10/27/2009 1:35:29 PM)