Pimelia Costata
ExploreInsects
Pimelia Costata
pimelia costata
Pimelia costata, also known as the Gran Canaria giant darkling beetle, is a remarkable flightless insect endemic to the coastal dunes and dry scrublands of Gran Canaria. Adapted to live in some of the island's most arid environments, this rugged beetle plays a crucial ecological role as a detritivore, recycling scarce organic material back into the sandy soil. Due to heavy tourism and urban development destroying its natural habitats, this unique beetle faces severe conservation challenges and is highly protected.
Habitat: Typically found in coastal sand dunes, sandy beaches, and xerophytic cardonal-tabaibal scrublands of Gran Canaria.
Appearance
Measuring between 1.8 and 2.5 centimeters in length, this beetle features a sturdy, rounded, matte-black exoskeleton. Its most defining characteristic is the series of prominent, raised longitudinal ridges, or costae, running along its fused elytra. Because it is completely flightless, it lacks functional hind wings, giving it a heavy, robust appearance with strong, thick legs well-suited for crawling and digging through shifting sands.
KingdomAnimaliaPhylumArthropodaClassInsectaOrderColeopteraFamilyTenebrionidaeGenusPimelia
Category
InsectsRarity
Common
Danger
1/5 · Very low
Snaps
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Interesting facts
Since they are entirely flightless, their wing covers have evolved to act as a physical shield to protect them from dehydration.
They are micro-endemic, meaning they are native to a single island in the world and cannot be found anywhere else naturally.
When threatened, they often play dead by rolling onto their backs and freezing their legs, a defense mechanism called thanatosis.
Special abilities
Ability
Fog Harvesting
Uses its ridged, matte exoskeleton to capture morning dew and moisture from coastal fog, allowing water droplets to slide directly to its mouthparts.
Ability
Fused Elytra Protection
Its wing cases are tightly fused together to form a sealed internal chamber, drastically reducing moisture loss in scorching temperatures.
Ability
Rapid Sand Burrowing
Possesses strong, spade-like forelegs that allow it to quickly dig under loose sand to escape predators and extreme midday heat.
Measurements & details
- Length
- 1-2 cm
- Weight
- 0.001-0.003 kg
- Lifespan
- 1-3 years
- Top Speed
- 1 km/h
- Clutch Size
- 10-40
- Incubation
- 10-20 days
Diet & Feeding
Feeds opportunistically on decaying plant matter, fallen seeds, and dead insects found on the ground.
Age differences: Larvae live underground feeding on decomposing roots, while adults forage on the surface.
Primary Foods
- Decaying leaves
- Fallen flowers
- Dead insects
- Dry plant seeds
Foraging Method
- Foraging
Ecological connections
eaten by
Gran Canaria Giant Lizard
Gallotia stehlini
Preyed upon by this large endemic lizard species of Gran Canaria.
host plant
Canary Island Spurge
Euphorbia canariensis
Consumes decaying leaf litter and fallen debris from this endemic spurge.
Traits
No trait badges are assigned for this object yet.
Also known as
No aliases listed yet.
Collections
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Safety
Danger
1/5 · Very low
No special safety notes yet.
Frequently Asked Questions
How to identify Pimelia Costata?
The easiest way to identify Pimelia Costata is to use the Snappit nature identifier app.
How long is Pimelia Costata?
1-2 cm
How much does Pimelia Costata weigh?
0.001-0.003 kg
How long does Pimelia Costata live?
1-3 years
How fast can Pimelia Costata move?
1 km/h
What does Pimelia Costata eat?
Feeds opportunistically on decaying plant matter, fallen seeds, and dead insects found on the ground.
Where is Pimelia Costata usually found?
Typically found in coastal sand dunes, sandy beaches, and xerophytic cardonal-tabaibal scrublands of Gran Canaria.
How does Pimelia Costata hunt?
Foraging
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