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Bloody-nosed beetle

The common name of the bloody-nosed beetle derives from its unusual defence mechanism: when threatened, it secretes a distasteful blood-red liquid from its mouth. This flightless beetle can be found on grassland and heathland, and along hedgerows.

Scientific name

Timarcha tenebricosa

When to see

April to September

Species information

Statistics

Length: 2.0-2.3cm

Conservation status

Common.

About

The bloody-nosed beetle is a large, round, flightless beetle with long legs that can often be seen plodding across paths or through grass. It can be found during the spring and summer in grassland, heathland and along hedgerows. One of our largest 'leaf beetles', adults feed on the leaves of lady's bedstraw and related plants, and the larvae can be seen hanging from these species. Adults are mostly active at night.

How to identify

The bloody-nosed beetle is a domed, black beetle with a bluish sheen. The line running down its back gives the impression of separate wing cases, but they are actually fused together and this beetle does not fly; it is quite slow moving, in fact.

Distribution

Found in South and Central England, and in Wales.

Did you know?

The bloody-nosed beetle is so-named because, when threatened, it oozes a red liquid from its face. This 'blood' is distasteful and scares-off would-be predators.