The Diabolical Ironclad Beetle

This is one of the most interesting and incredible species of beetles. Deservingly, the

Diabolical Ironclad Beetle is one of the most studied and scrutinized species on the planet.

Diabolical is actually part of its name, as shown in its scientific name: Phloeodes diabolicus. It was initially classified in the Nosoderma genus upon its discovery in the 1800s. It was reclassified in 1999 into the Phloeodes genus (Inaturalist).

The species stands around 2-3 centimeters in length. Its lifespan is very long compared to most beetles, with an adult life spanning around 8 years (Inaturalist). This beetle is flightless, which puts it at a disadvantage compared to other beetle species. However, it more than offsets this effect through its durability. The Diabolical Ironclad Beetle is essentially the tank of the beetle world. Its exoskeleton can withstand 39,000 times its own weight (Inaturalist). Weighing only 0.5 grams, the Diabolical Ironclad Beetle can withstand around 15kg of weight (Asahi).

The secret behind this super durability is hidden in its exoskeleton. Under microscopic

inspection, scientists have found that the exoskeleton of the Diabolical Ironclad Beetle has a very intentional design. The exoskeleton is made of Chitin, a material common in insect

exoskeletons such as those of the cockroach. This material is flexible yet durable, and smooth to the point where bacteria struggle to stay on.

Chitin on its own is already a very durable material. However, the Diabolical Ironclad

Beetle takes it to another level by arranging it into a jigsaw pattern. This pattern allows for

increased force absorption and flexibility. This formation is held together through laminations of certain proteins acting like an adhesive, strengthening this species' defense (Inaturalist).

It actually has more proteins than most other beetles (Asahi). It will release a natural wax from between the gaps in its exoskeleton to prevent moisture loss. This behavior allows it to survive in dry climates (Inaturalist). The elytra of the Diabolical Ironclad Beetle are fused together to form a border resembling a closed zipper (Asahi). Below is a cross-section of the Diabolical Ironclad Beetle's elytra.

Found in the forested areas of the Western United States, the Diabolical Ironclad Beetle is most concentrated in California and Baja California. It is most often found under the decomposing bark of oak trees (Inaturalist). This is because it serves as a decomposer of its forest ecosystem. The Diabolical Ironclad Beetle feeds on rotting plant material from various species of foliage; white rot fungi are believed to be its preferred source of sustenance (Inaturalist). It is well built for boring into wood, especially in its larval stage.

The Diabolical Ironclad Beetle is growing in popularity in the entomological world, but is also branching off into other fields. This beetle could potentially contain the secret to the next leap in human engineering. Materials placed in a similar layout to the exoskeleton of the Diabolical Ironclad Beetle have already increased exponentially in durability and strength. The species is the key to larger and stronger buildings, bridges, and any manmade structure. With every step in human advancement, there is always Mother Nature who did it first.

Bibliography

• https://www.asahi.com/ajw/articles/13932512#:~:text=The%20diabolical%20ironclad%20beetle%2C%20which%20is%20about%203%20centimeters%20long,West%20Coast%20of%20North%20America. (Asahi)

• https://www.inaturalist.org/taxa/47590-Phloeodes-diabolicus (Inaturalist)