# Diabolical Ironclad Beetle (*Phloeodes diabolicus*) The Diabolical Ironclad Beetle is a tough little bug that can survive being squished! It has a shiny black body and is known for its strong armor that protects it from predators. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 4 - **Habitat:** Forests ![Diabolical Ironclad Beetle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Phloeodes_diabolicus.jpg&width=800) Photo: Jesse Rorabaugh, CC0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Phloeodes_diabolicus.jpg) ## Appearance The Diabolical Ironclad Beetle is a dull black or brownish-black beetle, often appearing crusty or ridged. Its tough exoskeleton makes it look like a tiny, bumpy rock, different from most smoother, iridescent beetles. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Zopheridae - **Genus:** Phloeodes ## Interesting facts - It can resist forces equivalent to 39,000 times its own tiny body weight! - This beetle's scientific name means 'diabolical bark dweller,' perfect for its tough life! - This incredible insect can pretend to be dead, staying perfectly still to fool predators! - Unlike most beetles, it cannot fly because its wing covers are permanently sealed shut. ## Special abilities - **Armor Plating:** Diabolical Ironclad Beetle has an incredibly strong exoskeleton that helps them survive extreme crushing forces. - **Unified Shield:** Diabolical Ironclad Beetle has fused wing covers that completely protect their inner organs, making them super tough. - **Stealthy Survivor:** Diabolical Ironclad Beetle can blend seamlessly with bark and rocks, helping them hide from hungry predators. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 15-22 mm - **Lifespan:** 730-1095 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding This beetle munches on fungi and decaying wood. - **Primary Foods:** decaying wood, fungus, mycelium - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [California Scrub-Jay](https://www.snappit.app/explore/california-scrub-jay) (*Aphelocoma californica*) — Birds try to eat them, but find them difficult. - **Eaten by:** [Southern Alligator Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/southern-alligator-lizard) (*Elgaria multicarinata*) — Lizards may attempt to crush and eat these tough beetles. - **Eats:** Red Banded Polypore (*Fomitopsis pinicola*) — Feeds on wood-decaying fungi found on dead wood. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Scavenger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/scavenger): Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Forest](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/forest): Forest habitats are terrestrial environments dominated by dense tree cover, supporting a high diversity of plant and animal life. - [Longevous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/longevous): This trait characterizes organisms with an exceptionally long lifespan compared to others of their kind. - [Armored](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/armored): Armored describes animals protected by a hard, external covering or shell for defense. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Be gentle and watch where you step, as insects like this beetle can be hiding on the ground. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Diabolical Ironclad Beetle? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How big is Diabolical Ironclad Beetle? 15-22 mm ### How long does Diabolical Ironclad Beetle live? 730-1095 days ### What does Diabolical Ironclad Beetle eat? This beetle munches on fungi and decaying wood. ### Where is Diabolical Ironclad Beetle usually found? Forests ### How does Diabolical Ironclad Beetle hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Diabolical Ironclad Beetle have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Black Diamond Mines Regional Preserve](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/black-diamond-mines-regional-preserve) — California, US · Nature Reserve - [Old Town Pasadena](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/old-town-pasadena) — California, US · Historic District - [Pasadena Civic Center District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/pasadena-civic-center-district) — California, US · Historic District - [Prospect Historic District](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/prospect-historic-district) — California, US · Historic District - [Yosemite Valley](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/yosemite-valley) — California, US · Natural Landmark [View all places to see Diabolical Ironclad Beetle](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/diabolical-ironclad-beetle) ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Diabolical Ironclad Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/diabolical-ironclad-beetle)