18 August 2014

Churchyard Beetle – Sabkhat Al Fasl

Whilst birding at Sabkhat Al Fasl Phil found a beetle that appears to be a Churchyard Beetle Blaps kolari. This is a medium to large beetle measuring up to 40mm in length with an elongated body. The thorax is oval in shape and it has long legs and short antennae. The adult has an opening in the vicinity of the anal projection from which they can discharge a jet of foul-smelling liquid to defend themselves. They are widespread throughout the Arabian Peninsula and are mainly active during the cooler months of the year from September to April. The beetle feeds on plant materials and often store food in burrows of rodents and other insects. If anyone thinks I have made a mistake with the identification please let me know as I know very little about beetles.