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Hoshihananomia sp.
This is the largest Mordellid beetle I've ever seen. With the head extended, it would have been about 15 mm long. It had the typical wedge shaped body with humped thorax and a pointy rear end (pygidium) which extended well past the elytra. The thorax and wings were covered with fine hairs giving it a glossy look and had symmetrically placed cream spots and patches.
What was fascinating was the dome shaped head with a felty cover and laterally placed eyes (pic 4). It was attached to the thorax by a very narrow neck and the beetle could completely flex the head under the thorax to protect it. I also observed it turning the head to an almost 90 deg angle to the body (pic 3). Having never seen this beetle's head before, I found it the most interesting feature of all.
Antennae were saw-toothed.
Hind legs were larger than the others.
Spotted on a tea-tree in a reserve ( part of the Dandenong Ranges). This beetle was in the company of many other Mordellids but all of varying sizes.
" A Guide to the Beetles of Australia" states that there are 113 species of mordellids known in Australia but very little is known of their biology. The Taxonomy also requires extensive work. G.Hangay & P.Zborowski have identified this beetle as a species of Hoshihananomia genus.
These are also known as pin-tail flower beetles.
Family: Mordellidae
Spotted on Jan 2, 2015
Submitted on Jan 3, 2015
9 Comments
Ah! Thank you, Leuba.
When disturbed, the beetle uses it's flat, thick hind legs to "kick " itself off its perch and appears to flip back and tumble down. Hence the name "tumbling beetle". They do fly, though.
Why is is called tumbling beetle? Tumbling...is it very clumsy :) ? First time I have "heard"of one...thanks for letting me "see" it.
Thanks Sukanya. It is usually very difficult to see the head ( let alone the eyes) as it almost always tucked under. The size of this beetle made it a little easy. The first time for me.
My! What big eyes you have. Gives bug eye a whole new literal meaning. GREAT shots.
Thanks Vinny. It was a giant and I was just lucky.
Wow, great shots
...this one after about 50 shots. The beetle must have been hungry didn't mind me at all.
Show off. I couldn't get that close. :)