For Anyone Interested in the Wildlife of the U.K.
Bloody-nosed Beetles
Scientific name: Timarcha tenebricosa
Size: Approx 18 to 23mm long
Distribution: Found in many parts of Britain, especially the southern counties of England and the coastal areas of Wales
Months seen: April to September. Mostly active at night
Life Span: Approximately 9 - 12 months
Habitat: Grassland and heathland
Food: Cleavers (goosegrass) and Ladies Bedstraw
Special features: Bloody-nosed beetles are one of the largest leaf beetles found in the UK. They can sometimes be found walking slowly over grassy areas in spring and early summer. The body has an irridescent blue-black sheen, and the antennae have the appearance of a tiny black string of pearls.
When viewed from above, the line down the centre of its abdomen gives the appearance of wing casings, but in fact the two halves are fused together. This is a flightless beetle.
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