Post by trehopr1 on Jan 16, 2022 22:59:43 GMT -8
Here we have one of THE most extraordinary looking
and specially evolved forms of ground beetle (Carabidae)
in the realm of insects.
These beetles are commonly called "violin beetles" for their
peculiar shape (reminiscent of a violin). There are presently
5 recognized species which belong to the genus Mormolyce;
of the subfamily Lebiinae. Their rather broad but, flattened
bodies afford them the ability to hideaway in tight spaces
such as cracks, fissures, and under loose bark during the
hours of daylight. With the coming of nightfall they leave
their sheltered spaces in search of food and mates.
Like their kin these beetles are said to be predaceous upon
assorted insect larvae. Although, I'm certain that anything
which they can overpower is fair game !
Pictured, are a trio of the most commonly occurring species
in the hobby. It is known from various rainforested areas of
Indonesia and Malaysia.
Mormolyce phyllodes (Hagenbach, 1825)
In terms of size they generally fall within the range of
60 - 100 millimeters. The two (outer) examples are at
100mm. whilst the (center) lighter colored one is 95mm.
Sometimes, though larger "outsized" examples are to be
seen in collections.
For defense purposes these curious beetles are well armed
and when needed can secrete or spray poisonous butyric acid.
Adults are known to fly between August-November.
In looking closely, one finds that the (normally hardened) wing
covers found in most beetles have evolved into flat leaf-shaped
translucent elytra. Their long legs afford them a long "stride" so
they can move quickly when needed. Also, their small head and
elongated pronotum allow them to potentially reach critters in
small spaces seeking to get away from them.
Some local people familiar with these beetles call them "jungle dragons".
I have long considered these amongst the "coolest" looking of beetles
and are a must in the collection of any (general) beetle enthusiast.
and specially evolved forms of ground beetle (Carabidae)
in the realm of insects.
These beetles are commonly called "violin beetles" for their
peculiar shape (reminiscent of a violin). There are presently
5 recognized species which belong to the genus Mormolyce;
of the subfamily Lebiinae. Their rather broad but, flattened
bodies afford them the ability to hideaway in tight spaces
such as cracks, fissures, and under loose bark during the
hours of daylight. With the coming of nightfall they leave
their sheltered spaces in search of food and mates.
Like their kin these beetles are said to be predaceous upon
assorted insect larvae. Although, I'm certain that anything
which they can overpower is fair game !
Pictured, are a trio of the most commonly occurring species
in the hobby. It is known from various rainforested areas of
Indonesia and Malaysia.
Mormolyce phyllodes (Hagenbach, 1825)
In terms of size they generally fall within the range of
60 - 100 millimeters. The two (outer) examples are at
100mm. whilst the (center) lighter colored one is 95mm.
Sometimes, though larger "outsized" examples are to be
seen in collections.
For defense purposes these curious beetles are well armed
and when needed can secrete or spray poisonous butyric acid.
Adults are known to fly between August-November.
In looking closely, one finds that the (normally hardened) wing
covers found in most beetles have evolved into flat leaf-shaped
translucent elytra. Their long legs afford them a long "stride" so
they can move quickly when needed. Also, their small head and
elongated pronotum allow them to potentially reach critters in
small spaces seeking to get away from them.
Some local people familiar with these beetles call them "jungle dragons".
I have long considered these amongst the "coolest" looking of beetles
and are a must in the collection of any (general) beetle enthusiast.