© muftillo
© gloygum
image source: www.entomart.be
Habitat: found in southern and central Europe, and is common in Britain and Ireland
Status: No Conservation Concerns
This large flightless leaf beetle known as the Bloody-nosed beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa) has a peculiar defense mechanism that is entirely cringe worthy.
I'm sure you could guess by its name, but to ward off predators the Bloody-nosed beetle is able to secrete a foul-tasting [and smelling] blood red fluid from its mouth that no predator (except maybe a vampire?) would want to mess with.
Here's a video showing the beetle's bloody good skill:
1 comments:
I love leaf beetles! They always have such beautiful colors and variety. I had never heard of them having such weird defense mechanisms until I read this post! Fascinating!
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