Bloody-nosed Beetle
Timarcha tenebricosa
This record describes Timarcha tenebricosa (species). Recorded family: Chrysomelidae. Recorded order: Coleoptera.
Identification and Appearance
This is a large flightless species of beetle. The rounded body is blackish in colour, often with a shiny iridescence. Adults are seen between April and June. Active mainly at night, hiding in moss or under stones during the day. It earns its common name from its peculiar form of defence; when threatened it exudes a drop of bright red fluid from the mouth. The larvae are a metallic bluish colour. It is widespread in Britain and common in some areas, but becomes rare in the north.
Wikipedia reference for Timarcha tenebricosa: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloody-nosed_beetle.
Classification
- Kingdom
- Animalia
- Phylum
- Arthropoda
- Class
- Insecta
- Order
- Coleoptera
- Family
- Chrysomelidae
- Genus
- Timarcha
Imported taxonomy record. Source availability varies; see the source references and editorial policy below.
Habitat and Range
Habitat
Often found in hedgerows.
Seasonal Activity
Adults are seen between April and June. Active mainly at night, hiding in moss or under stones during the day.
Diet and Behavior
Life History
It earns its common name from its peculiar form of defence; when threatened it exudes a drop of bright red fluid from the mouth. The larvae are a metallic bluish colour.
Additional species information
Recorded status
It is widespread in Britain and common in some areas, but becomes rare in the north.
About Primitive Winged Insects: the wider group
Order-level background for Coleoptera, the group containing Timarcha tenebricosa. Species-specific details appear above.
Group overview
Coleoptera is the largest order of insects with over 400,000 described species, representing ~25% of all known animal species and ~40% of all insects. In the U.S. alone, nearly 30,000 beetle species have been identified.
Ecological role of the group
Beetles are prominent decomposers, especially in forests, breaking down dead wood and recycling nutrients. As predators, they reduce populations of pest insects. Many species are also important pollinators of flowering plants.
Economic and practical significance of the group
Beetles have major economic significance: leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae) and weevils (Curculionoidea) are among the most destructive agricultural pests globally, costing billions annually, while predatory species like ladybugs provide natural pest control.
Recorded sources for this group: Britannica, Smithsonian, NCSU Entomology. Imported estimates may describe particular regions or reporting periods.
Photos of Bloody-nosed Beetle (3)
Frequently Asked Questions About Bloody-nosed Beetle
What is Bloody-nosed Beetle?
Bloody-nosed Beetle (Timarcha tenebricosa) is a species in the family Chrysomelidae, within the order Coleoptera.
Where is Bloody-nosed Beetle found?
Habitat: Often found in hedgerows.
When is Bloody-nosed Beetle active?
Bloody-nosed Beetle: seasonal activity - Adults are seen between April and June. Active mainly at night, hiding in moss or under stones during the day..
What is the life cycle of a Bloody-nosed Beetle?
It earns its common name from its peculiar form of defence; when threatened it exudes a drop of bright red fluid from the mouth. The larvae are a metallic bluish colour.