I've included this beetle just for interest, it's name
and it's defence mechanism.
It is strongly domed and flightless with the elytra
fused together. It is one of the largest of the leaf beetles. If the
Bloody Nosed Beetle gets Bloody Minded, it emits a repellent bright
red liquid from it's mouth, this is particularly alarming to birds.
Because of this means of protection, and the fact that
it is large (up to 3/4
inch), being fat and slow moving is not a disadvantage.
These black beetles are often seen on the ground or feeding on bed straw
plants in the roadside hedgerows between April and June. Their soft
bodied, greenish-black larvae feed on the same plants. The species pictured
above is the largest of the group and is widespread throughout Britain,
but most common in western England.
Back to main
Ground Beetle page
Back to main
Casual Intruders page