Bloody-nosed Beetles

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If you happen to see a particularly doddery looking black beetle bumbling about the countryside this month, then chances are you've encountered a Bloody-nosed beetle.  At 20mm long it's a relatively large beetle and although it'd be difficult to describe it as attractive it does have a certain charm.

Unlike many other beetle species, the Bloody-nosed Beetle can't fly, and being a vegetarian it doesn't have to run fast to catch its food either.  In fact it has the sort of walk you'd expect of someone who's had a bit too much to drink.

The Bloody-nosed Beetle gets its name from its habit of releasing a drop of red fluid when it gets frightened or disturbed (known as 'reflex bleeding').  The beetle itself is totally harmless, and this noxious, red beetle juice is its only defense against predators.


More info at: Bloody-nosed Beetle Fact File