# Dichelotarsus Dichelotarsus is a unique insect known for its colorful body and interesting shapes. These little creatures can be found in various habitats and are fun to discover in nature! - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Urban areas ![Dichelotarsus](https://inaturalist-open-data.s3.amazonaws.com/photos/297366267/medium.jpg) Photo: jimeckert49, CC BY 4.0 · [iNaturalist](https://www.inaturalist.org/photos/297366267) ## Appearance The Dichelotarsus is a slender-bodied beetle, typically dark brown or black with an orange-red margin on its head shield (pronotum). Its hardened forewings (elytra) cover a light-producing organ at its abdomen's tip, setting it apart visually from most other beetles. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Cantharidae - **Genus:** Dichelotarsus ## Interesting facts - Each firefly species has its own secret flashing code! - Firefly larvae also glow to warn predators they taste bad! - Some sneaky female fireflies eat males from other species! - These 'flies' are actually beetles, not true flies at all! ## Special abilities - **Glow Signal:** Dichelotarsus can produce its own light using special chemicals, which helps them find mates in the dark. - **Toxic Taste:** Dichelotarsus has bitter-tasting chemicals called lucibufagins that helps them deter hungry predators. ## Measurements & details - **Wingspan:** 20-40 mm - **Size:** 10-20 mm - **Lifespan:** 14-28 days - **Flight Speed:** 8 km/h - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding Dichelotarsus larvae are active hunters, while adults often do not feed or sip nectar. - **Age differences:** Larvae are predatory, while adults may not feed or consume nectar/pollen minimally. - **Primary Foods:** snails, slugs, worms, insect larvae - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eats:** [garden snail](https://www.snappit.app/explore/garden-snail) (*Helix aspersa*) — Larvae feast on these slow-moving mollusks. - **Eaten by:** [American Toad](https://www.snappit.app/explore/american-toad) (*Anaxyrus americanus*) — Toads might try to eat adults, but regret it! - **Eaten by:** [Little Brown Bat](https://www.snappit.app/explore/little-brown-bat) (*Myotis lucifugus*) — Bats hunt them by echolocation in the dark. ## Traits - [Social](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/social): Social animals live in organized groups, cooperating for survival benefits such as foraging, defense, and raising offspring. - [Camouflaged](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/camouflaged): Camouflaged describes organisms that possess coloring or patterns that allow them to blend into their environment. - [Colorful](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/colorful): Colorful describes organisms or objects displaying a wide range of bright and distinct colors. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Pollinator Magnet](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator-magnet): Describes plants that are particularly attractive and beneficial to a wide range of pollinating organisms. - [Diurnal](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/diurnal): Diurnal animals are primarily active during daylight hours, typically resting or sleeping at night. - [Urban Friendly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/urban-friendly): This habitat trait indicates species that can coexist with humans in urban and suburban environments, utilizing man-made structures and green spaces. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low Always look but don't touch insects unless an adult says it's okay. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Dichelotarsus? 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. ### What is Dichelotarsus's wingspan? 20-40 mm ### How big is Dichelotarsus? 10-20 mm ### How long does Dichelotarsus live? 14-28 days ### How fast can Dichelotarsus fly? 8 km/h ### What does Dichelotarsus eat? Dichelotarsus larvae are active hunters, while adults often do not feed or sip nectar. ### Where is Dichelotarsus usually found? Urban areas ### How does Dichelotarsus hunt? Foraging ## Where to spot - [Hillhouse Avenue](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/hillhouse-avenue) — Connecticut, US · Historic District - [Sx̱ótsaqel / Chilliwack Lake Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/sx-tsaqel-chilliwack-lake-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Carmanah Walbran Provincial Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/carmanah-walbran-provincial-park) — British Columbia, CA · State Park - [Fairview Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/fairview-park) — California, US · Park [View all places to see Dichelotarsus](https://www.snappit.app/guides/where-to-see/dichelotarsus) ## 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: [Dichelotarsus: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dichelotarsus)