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Project Noah Nature School
Berberomeloe majalis
Very striking and noticeable, Red-striped Oil Beetles, or Blister Beetles as they are also known, are large beetles that can reach a length of around 6 cm. The basic ground colour is black and each body segment has a red or orange stripe crossing it. The legs are positioned towards the front of the beetle’s body, leaving the rest of its bulk unsupported, which means the cylindrical abdomen has to be dragged across the ground. Although there are tiny elytra on the thorax, the beetles are unable to fly.
Most of Iberia, Southern France and the coastal regions of North Africa. They favour areas with sandy soil in areas of scrub or light woodland or orchards.
Photo taken in a florest of cork oak (Quercus suber) and near a small lake.
Spotted on Apr 16, 2014
Submitted on Apr 17, 2014
