A July beetle? (1 Viewer)

[delia todd]

Any ideas what this beetle is. The first time I've seen one.

Centre of Scotland 10 July, 2023

 

[Welsh Peregrine]

Burying or Sexton Beetle; I’ve always wanted to see one of these!

 

[JWN Andrewes]

I've had them in my mouth trap down in Pembrokeshire. They bloody stink!

 

[delia todd]

Thanks so much both. Are they pretty widespread in Scotland?

I've had them in my mouth trap down in Pembrokeshire. They bloody stink!

LOL this one wasn't smelling. What on earth do you trap in your "mouth" 😆

 

[JWN Andrewes]

Thanks so much both. Are they pretty widespread in Scotland?


LOL this one wasn't smelling. What on earth do you trap in your "mouth" 😆

Ha! What a clot! Meant moth! No, don't ever put a Sexton Beetle in your mouth! They can smell like rotting carcass, and even squirt the smell at you if they feel threatened, although I think it was one of the all black ones that did that to me. Not, I hasten to add, because I was about to put it in my mouth. I was just moving in for a closer look (honest) and it mistook my intentions!

 

[delia todd]

LOL I can't top that!!!!😁

 

[Andy Adcock]

Ha! What a clot! Meant moth! No, don't ever put a Sexton Beetle in your mouth! They can smell like rotting carcass, and even squirt the smell at you if they feel threatened, although I think it was one of the all black ones that did that to me. Not, I hasten to add, because I was about to put it in my mouth. I was just moving in for a closer look (honest) and it mistook my intentions!

Not only do they usually stink, but they're often covered in mites.

 

[Andy Adcock]

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