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Is this the Name of a Jewelry Brand? Schönherr's Blue Weevil

Schönherr's Blue Weevil (Eupholus schoenherri) is one of the most visually incredible beetles in the world. This species belongs to the family Curculionidae, which includes the true weevils. It is native to the tropical rainforests of New Guinea. Adults are known for their brilliant blue, turquoise, and black coloration, which forms intricate stripes and patterns across their bodies and elytra. Unlike many brightly colored animals that rely on pigments, the vivid colors of Eu

HYUN SIM

19 hours ago4 min read

Trilobite Beetle, History Alive

The Trilobite Beetle (Platerodrilus paradoxus) is one of the most remarkable beetles in the world because of its unusual appearance and extraordinary life history. It belongs to the family Lycidae, commonly known as net-winged beetles. Its name comes from the fact that the adult female closely resembles the extinct marine arthropods called Trilobites. Females possess flattened, heavily segmented bodies covered with broad plates that create an armored appearance, while males a

HYUN SIM

1 day ago3 min read

Captivating Capture: End-Banded Net-Winged Beetle

The End-banded Net-winged Beetle (Calopteron terminale) is a species of net-winged beetle in the family Lycidae. It is found throughout eastern North America. The adults typically range from 8.5 to 16 millimeters long. They are easily recognized by their bright orange-yellow wing covers that have a broad black band near the tip. The elytra are covered in a network of raised ridges that give the family its common name, "net-winged beetles." A distinguishing feature of Calopter

HYUN SIM

2 days ago4 min read

Cannoneer Critter: The Eyed Click Beetle

The Eastern Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus), also known as the eyed elater, is one of the largest click beetles in North America. Adults measure between 25 and 45 millimeters in length as adults and have a black body covered with white and gray spots. Their most distinctive feature is the pair of large black spots outlined in white on the pronotum, which resemble eyes. These “eyespots” are not real eyes but are believed to help scare predators away by the beetle appear lar

HYUN SIM

3 days ago3 min read

Beetle or Turtle? The Clown Beetle

The spotted clown beetle (Atholus bimaculatus) is a small beetle belonging to the family Histeridae, commonly known as clown beetles. Adults are typically black, shiny, and oval-shaped, with a hard exoskeleton that protects them from predators and harsh environmental conditions. Like other clown beetles, Atholus bimaculatus has shortened wing covers called elytra that leave part of the abdomen exposed. The species is distinguished by its compact body and smooth, polished appe

HYUN SIM

7 days ago3 min read

Living Bioweapon: The Bombardier Beetle

The Bombardier Beetles are of the Beetle Subfamilies Brachininae and Paussinae. They are a very small species, only growing to an inch in size (National Geographic). However, as has been seen in the field of insects many times, size doesn't have to matter. You see, the Bombardier Beetle is famous for its defense mechanism against predators. It has the ability to fire a synthesized emission of a scalding and smelly substance from its backside. This mechanism is the tradema

HYUN SIM

Jun 113 min read

Horned Hider: The Thorn Bug

Among the many unusual insects found in tropical and subtropical environments, few are as visually striking as the thorn bug, Umbonia crassicornis. This small insect belongs to the treehopper family Membracidae, a group well known for species with elaborate and unusual body shapes (Wood, 1993). What makes Umbonia crassicornis especially fascinating is the large horn-like structure rising from its back, giving the insect the appearance of a sharp plant thorn. Although the hor

HYUN SIM

Mar 173 min read

The Beetle with the Neckiest Neck: The Giraffe Weevil

The Giraffe Weevil (Trachelophorus giraffa) is a species of weevil from the Brentidae family, which is a group of weevils often called primitive weevils (San Francisco Zoo). Their bodies are black with a bright-red elytra. The quirkiest part of this beetle, however, is its long neck. The long neck is an example of sexual dimorphism because the necks of the males are 2-3 times longer than the females' (San Francisco Zoo). The Giraffe Weevil has a very unique habitat and diet.

HYUN SIM

Feb 242 min read

We Count Facts while the Deathwatch Beetle Counts Our Seconds

In the vast world of insects, this species of beetle is a candidate for one of the coolest nicknames. Hailing from the Anobiidae family, the Deathwatch Beetle (Xestobium Rufovillosum) is a species of beetle with an interesting backstory to match its name (Woodland Trust). It is a small beetle with the adult's size ranging from 5-9 mm (Wildlife trusts). It's a brown hairy beetle with a cylindrical shape that lives in trees. It is found widely in the UK and is less prevalent i

HYUN SIM

Jan 23 min read

Pay Attention to the Confused Flour Beetle

The Confused Flour Beetle (Tribolium Confusum) definitely has one of the more unique names in the insect kingdom. The "confused" part of its name is because of its tendency to be confused with a similar species: the Red Flour Beetle. The main way of distinguishing between the two species is the antennae. The antennae of the Red Flour Beetle have three segments at the tip that get larger into a club shape (Insectslimited). The Confused Flour Beetle, on the other hand

HYUN SIM

Dec 23, 20252 min read

Falling in Love among the Mushrooms: The Horned Fungus Beetle

The Horned Fungus Beetle (Bolitotherus Cornutus) is a species of darkling beetle that got its name from its distinct appearance and habitat. It is not the largest beetle; the adults grow only to around 10-12 mm in length. The width only reaches about 3.5-4.0 mm (AskIFAS). Its elytra and head are rough with numerous bumps dotting the surface. This trait was developed to aid in camouflage and defense. Its lifespan is around 8 years. Another distinct trait is its unique horns th

HYUN SIM

Nov 12, 20253 min read