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Archive 2015 · Platycis minutus, Rare, Swarming Beetle

  
 
e6filmuser
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p.1 #1 · p.1 #1 · Platycis minutus, Rare, Swarming Beetle


The family Lycidae are the net-winged beetles. They are unusual in that the adults form aggregations aka “swarms” in some circumstances. These are occasionally found on rotten wood of common species of temperate hardwood trees. The larvae feed under the bark, consuming the wood. The adults (5-8mm), which are toxic to predators, may visit nearby flowers to feed on nectar; others do not feed.

ftp://delta-intkey.com/britin/col/www/lycidae.htm (copy and paste)

I found these at the end of a mushroom foray. We were just walking back to our cars when I spotted these orange insects walking around on a prostrate, rotten, deciduous tree log on the ground beside the road. My initial assumption was that they were true bugs (Heteroptera). However, I soon realised that they were beetles and something unusual. (I have been looking at rotten logs for fungi and other wildlife for decades and never seen this before). I could see up to five of them at a time.

I had some problem with my flash guns, details of which I cannot remember, such that about half the images were lost. Those which survive show what a range of poses these beetles can provide.

These beetles seemed to be searching for something…

Harold







Perhaps it's way over there?







Could it be up above me?







I'll just check behind







Did it drop over the cliff?







It's not in the gulley




Oct 06, 2015 at 12:21 AM
LordV
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p.1 #2 · p.1 #2 · Platycis minutus, Rare, Swarming Beetle


Good find and captures Harold.
Brian v.



Oct 06, 2015 at 12:48 AM
e6filmuser
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p.1 #3 · p.1 #3 · Platycis minutus, Rare, Swarming Beetle


LordV wrote:
Good find and captures Harold.
Brian v.


Thanks, Brian.

Harold



Oct 06, 2015 at 01:12 AM
surfnron
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p.1 #4 · p.1 #4 · Platycis minutus, Rare, Swarming Beetle


Nicely done again Harold ~ Ron


Oct 06, 2015 at 07:35 AM
e6filmuser
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p.1 #5 · p.1 #5 · Platycis minutus, Rare, Swarming Beetle


surfnron wrote:
Nicely done again Harold ~ Ron


Thanks, Ron.

harold



Oct 06, 2015 at 09:43 AM
e6filmuser
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p.1 #6 · p.1 #6 · Platycis minutus, Rare, Swarming Beetle


Epilogue:

This species had not previously been recorded at the nature reserve so I have provided their Ecology Officer with the details and offered the use of images.

Harold



Oct 07, 2015 at 12:49 PM





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