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Photo: Reeko Beer
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UK
Safari Tip:
A great way to see all the details on these insects and other small
creatures is with a special magnifier box - click
here
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Latin name: Meloe proscarabeus
Size: Up to 30mms long
Distribution: Found in many parts of the UK.
Months seen: April to August
Food: Vegetation
Habitat: Meadows and fields
Special features: The female oil beetle (above) lays thousands of eggs
into holes in the ground, and these hatch into larvae which sit around on flowers waiting
to jump on board a passing bee. They then get a lift back to the bees nest where they feed on the bee larvae.
When alarmed, the adult oil beetles can release a foul smelling oil -
hence the name.
UK Safari Beetle Section
UK Safari Creepy-Crawlies Section
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