Bloody-nosed Beetle
ExploreInsects
Bloody-nosed Beetle
Timarcha tenebricosa
The Bloody-nosed Beetle is a shiny black bug that can squirt a red liquid when it feels scared! This helps it escape from predators. It loves to munch on plants and can be found in gardens and fields.
Habitat: Grasslands
Appearance
The Bloody-nosed Beetle is a large, stout, flightless beetle, entirely matte black with a granular texture on its wing cases. Its robust, domed body makes it visually distinct from most flying beetles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyChrysomelidaeGenusTimarcha
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Its dark black body helps it absorb sunlight to warm up on cool days!
The special red liquid it squirts is called hemolymph, not real blood, and tastes awful!
This beetle's wing covers are fused, so it can never fly, even though it's an insect!
When scared, it can play dead perfectly still for a long time to fool predators!
Special abilities
Ability
Red Defense Spray
The Bloody-nosed Beetle can squirt a bitter, red liquid from its mouth because of special glands that helps them deter predators.
Ability
Tough Armor Shell
It has a thick, hard, black exoskeleton that helps protect its body from attacks by birds and other predators.
Ability
Ground-Level Prowler
This beetle is flightless and uses strong, sturdy legs to walk slowly, helping it explore low plants and ground cover.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 14-20 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-500 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
This herbivorous beetle loves munching on plants, especially the leaves and flowers of bedstraw.
Primary Foods
- Bedstraw leaves
- Bedstraw flowers
- Other plant leaves
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eats
Lady's Bedstraw
Galium verum
Main food source for larvae and adults.
eats
Hedge Bedstraw
Galium album
Another preferred food plant.
eaten by
Blackbird
Turdus merula
May attempt to eat, but often deterred by defense.
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Camouflaged
Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment.
Grassland
Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals.
Herbivorous
This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material.
Decomposer
Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem.
Pollinator
Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
It's safe to watch these beetles, but don't touch them too much as they might squirt their juice!
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Bloody-nosed Beetle?
14-20 mm
How long does Bloody-nosed Beetle live?
365-500 days
What does Bloody-nosed Beetle eat?
This herbivorous beetle loves munching on plants, especially the leaves and flowers of bedstraw.
Where is Bloody-nosed Beetle usually found?
Grasslands
How does Bloody-nosed Beetle hunt?
Foraging
How many legs does Bloody-nosed Beetle have?
6
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