Devil's Coach Horse Beetle
ExploreInsects
Devil's Coach Horse Beetle
Ocypus olens
The Devil's Coach Horse Beetle is a shiny black bug that looks a bit scary but is actually harmless! It has a long body and can run really fast when it feels threatened.
Habitat: Gardens and forests
Appearance
The Devil's Coach Horse Beetle is a large, slender beetle, typically uniformly matte black with short wing cases. Its most distinctive features are its long, segmented abdomen which it can raise threateningly, and its large, pincer-like mandibles.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyStaphylinidaeGenusOcypus
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
It's mostly active at night, hunting in the dark for food.
Its nickname comes from old legends linking it to evil creatures.
This bold beetle is a fast runner, scurrying quickly over the ground.
When threatened, it might play dead to trick hungry animals.
Special abilities
Ability
Scorpion Stance
Devil's Coach Horse Beetle can arch its abdomen high like a scorpion because of flexible segments that helps them look fearsome.
Ability
Stinky Surprise
Devil's Coach Horse Beetle can spray a foul-smelling liquid from its abdomen that helps them deter predators.
Ability
Mighty Mandibles
Devil's Coach Horse Beetle has powerful jaws that helps them quickly capture and consume prey.
Measurements & details
- Size
- 20-32 mm
- Lifespan
- 365-730 days
- Leg Count
- 6
Diet & Feeding
This fierce beetle munches on other bugs and small creatures for dinner!
Primary Foods
- slugs
- snails
- earthworms
- other insects
Foraging Method
- Pursuit
Ecological connections
eats
Black Slug
Arion ater
eats large garden slugs
eats
Common Earthworm
Lumbricus terrestris
preys on earthworms
eaten by
Common Blackbird
Turdus merula
birds might hunt them
eaten by
European Hedgehog
Erinaceus europaeus
small mammals prey on them
Traits
Solitary
Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care.
Insectivorous
This trait identifies organisms whose diet primarily consists of insects and other small invertebrates.
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.
Speedster
This trait identifies organisms that exhibit exceptional swiftness in movement for hunting, escape, or travel.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
These beetles are not dangerous, but it's best to watch them from a distance.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Devil's Coach Horse Beetle?
The easiest way to identify Devil's Coach Horse Beetle is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How big is Devil's Coach Horse Beetle?
20-32 mm
How long does Devil's Coach Horse Beetle live?
365-730 days
What does Devil's Coach Horse Beetle eat?
This fierce beetle munches on other bugs and small creatures for dinner!
Where is Devil's Coach Horse Beetle usually found?
Gardens and forests
How does Devil's Coach Horse Beetle hunt?
Pursuit
How many legs does Devil's Coach Horse Beetle have?
6
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