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Project Noah Nature School
Ocypus olens
Small black beetle that is equipped with several different defensive mechanisms. It can unleash a painful bite with its strong pincer like jaws and release a smell with its stink glands at the end of its curled abdomen (pics 2 and 4).
Spotted in backyard.
Spotted on Sep 16, 2019
Submitted on Sep 20, 2019
11 Comments
Thanks syzygy.
What a badass!
Thanks great shots!
Thank you for the nomination António.
Thank you for your comments Maria and Mark.
Nice series.
A scorpion imitator among the beetles!
Your spotting has been nominated for the Spotting of the Week. The winner will be chosen by the Project Noah Rangers based on a combination of factors including: uniqueness of the shot, status of the organism (for example, rare or endangered), quality of the information provided in the habitat and description sections. There is a subjective element, of course; the spotting with the highest number of Ranger votes is chosen. Congratulations on being nominated!
Thanks for your kind comments Neil, Leuba and Sukanya.
First that tide pool now, these...Brian who is your tour guide??? Such wonderful places; such interesting creatures. :)
I like pic 4 - he looks formidable !
Wow! Biting and smelly, I wonder if he has any friends? Such an unusual beetle. Thanks for sharing, Brian.