ExploreInsects

Black Oil Beetle

Meloe proscarabaeus

The Black Oil Beetle is a shiny black bug that loves to crawl around in the grass. It has a unique shape and can sometimes be found in sunny spots, making it fun to spot on a nature walk!

Habitat: Grasslands

Appearance

The Black Oil Beetle is a large, bulky insect with an iridescent black or dark blue body. Its soft, leathery wing covers are short and oval, not fully covering its swollen abdomen. This makes it look distinctively pear-shaped compared to other beetles.

KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyMeloidaeGenusMeloe
Black Oil Beetle
solitary trait badgecolorful trait badgegrassland trait badgeherbivorous trait badge
Black Oil Beetle

Category

Insects

Rarity

Common

Danger

2/5 · Low

Snaps

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Interesting facts

Female oil beetles can lay up to 10,000 eggs at once!

Some ancient doctors used them to treat warts and other ailments.

Their larvae are called triungulins, meaning 'three claws' for their legs.

They don't have wings that can fly, even though they are beetles!

Special abilities

Ability

Blister Defense

Black Oil Beetle can ooze a toxic, blistering chemical from its leg joints that helps them deter predators.

Ability

Clever Larva

Its larvae are super sneaky! They mimic female bees to hitch a ride to unsuspecting male bee nests.

Ability

Pollen Powerup

Adult Black Oil Beetles munch on pollen and nectar, getting energy to lay thousands of eggs.

Measurements & details

Size
10-30 mm
Lifespan
30-90 days
Leg Count
6

Diet & Feeding

Adults munch on pollen and nectar, while larvae are sneaky parasites in bee nests!

Age differences: Larvae are parasitic, consuming bee eggs, larvae, and stored food; adults forage on pollen and nectar.

Primary Foods

  • Pollen
  • Nectar
  • Bee eggs
  • Bee larvae
  • Stored bee provisions

Foraging Method

  • Foraging

Ecological connections

Traits

Also known as

No aliases listed yet.

Collections

Safety

Danger

2/5 · Low

Don't touch beetles unless you know they're safe. Some can make you feel itchy!

Frequently Asked Questions

How big is Black Oil Beetle?

10-30 mm

How long does Black Oil Beetle live?

30-90 days

What does Black Oil Beetle eat?

Adults munch on pollen and nectar, while larvae are sneaky parasites in bee nests!

Where is Black Oil Beetle usually found?

Grasslands

How does Black Oil Beetle hunt?

Foraging

How many legs does Black Oil Beetle have?

6

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