Bloodynosedbeetle

Latin name: Timarcha tenebricosa

Size: Approximately 23mms long.

Distribution: Found mainly in southern England.

Months seen: April to August.

Habitat: Grassland and heathland.

Food: Feeds lady's bedstraw, a common wild wildflower.

Special features: The bloody-nosed beetle is one our largest leaf beetles which can often be found, in spring and early summer, walking slowly over grassy areas.

When you look at it from above, the line down the centre of its back gives the appearance of wing casings, but in fact it is a flightless beetle.

It gets its name from its habit of exuding a drop of bright red blood if disturbed or threatened. This is designed to scare predators, and it also has a nasty taste. Click the photo for a better view.