Black snail beetle
ExploreInsects
Black snail beetle
Phosphuga atrata
The black snail beetle is a shiny black bug that loves to munch on snails! It has a smooth body and can be found hiding under leaves or logs.
Habitat: Forests
Appearance
The Black snail beetle has a distinct, elongated, and flattened body that is shiny black, often appearing metallic. Its head and the segment behind it (prothorax) can be a contrasting reddish-orange or brown, making it visually stand out. It has prominent antennae and a somewhat constricted "neck" area.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyStaphylinidaeGenusSilpha
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It belongs to a family of beetles famous for cleaning up dead things, but prefers snails!
Its head and "neck" can be a surprising orange-red color, contrasting its shiny black body!
The Black snail beetle's larvae are also hungry snail predators, just like the adults!
This beetle can "play dead" when scared, lying motionless until danger passes!
Special abilities
Ability
Mucus-Proof Feasting
Black snail beetle can safely eat slippery snails because it has a special waxy coating that prevents snail mucus from sticking to its body.
Ability
Stinky Defense
Black snail beetle can deter predators because it releases a smelly, yellowish fluid from glands when threatened, making it unpleasant to eat.
Ability
Shell Snatcher
Black snail beetle has a narrow "neck" and head that helps it push into snail shells, allowing it to reach and devour the soft snail body.
Measurements & details
- Wingspan
- 20-30 mm
- Size
- 10-15 mm
- Lifespan
- 60-120 days
- Flight Speed
- 5-10 km/h
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
This beetle mostly eats snails, which it can devour thanks to its specialized body.
Primary Foods
- Snails
- Slugs
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Garden Snail
Cornu aspersum
A primary food source for this beetle.
eaten by
Blackbird
Turdus merula
Birds often hunt these beetles.
eaten by
European Hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
Hedgehogs forage for beetles.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Forest
Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life.
Carnivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of animal tissue.
Nocturnal
Nocturnal animals are primarily active during the nighttime hours, typically resting or sleeping during the day.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Always look but don't touch insects unless a grown-up says it's okay.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Black snail beetle's wingspan?
20-30 mm
How big is Black snail beetle?
10-15 mm
How long does Black snail beetle live?
60-120 days
How fast can Black snail beetle fly?
5-10 km/h
What does Black snail beetle eat?
This beetle mostly eats snails, which it can devour thanks to its specialized body.
Where is Black snail beetle usually found?
Forests
How does Black snail beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Black snail beetle have?
6
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