City - Cederberg State - CAPEPROVINCE Country - South Africa
About
Beetles are a group of insects which have the largest number of species. They are placed in the order Coleoptera, which means "sheathed wing". The Coleoptera contains more described species than in any other order in the animal kingdom, constituting about 25% of all known life-forms. Forty percent of all described insect species are beetles (about 350,000 species), and new species are frequently discovered. Estimates put the total number of species, described and undescribed, at between 5 and 8 million.
Beetles can be found in almost all habitats, but are not known to occur in the sea or in the polar regions. They interact with their ecosystems in several ways. They often feed on plants and fungi, break down animal and plant debris, and eat other invertebrates. Some species are prey of various animals including birds and mammals. Certain species are agricultural pests, such as the Colorado potato beetle Leptinotarsa decemlineata, the boll weevil Anthonomus grandis, the red flour beetle Tribolium castaneum, and the mungbean or cowpea beetle Callosobruchus maculatus, while other species of beetles are important controls of agricultural pests.
Beetles are endopterygotes with complete metamorphosis. A single female may lay from several dozen to several thousand eggs during her lifetime. Beetles may display extremely intricate behaviour when mating. Smell is thought to be important in the location of a mate.
I will look for my beetles again in 3 days, going back to South Africa for a month. If I dont see you agian, be well and have a great time, be good and happy! See you back end of July, or hopefully maybe able to show something in between... you never know;)) Hugs Jenxx
Wow! looks unreal, wonderful find.. how could you notice this very black insect..:) it looks like a plastic with its luster, like a newly shined black shoe.. great shot..
Hi Jen is it Ringo, John, George or Paul over here ? Wonderful black "shining" animal and showed in a perfect composition. 7++ Really beautiful how it is armored. Is that for tough travel ? I hope you will have a wonderful time in South-Africa and maybe Namibia as well. You'll find an internet café now and then I hope, as you find new situations, people, animals on your way to make us aware of your great gift in observing and letting us share your impressions. Enjoy it together, Char will also appreciate. Take care Jenneke. Kisses and hugs from Paul
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