The MNM took an entire month off, but you guys are still sharp as a fossorial foreleg. What was that strange entomological extravagance?
All ten points go to Kojun, who took less than 20 minutes to converge on the correct answer: the image showed the antenna of an ant-nest beetle in the ground beetle subfamily Paussinae. I’ll also give 2 points each to Ainsley and Amanda for the genus, and one to Ted MacRae for providing extra anatomical detail.
Also, thanks to paussine expert Wendy Moore, who kindly identified the genus via email.
These really are awesome beetles. I encountered a number of species in South Africa – unfortunately no photos (and even if I did take some they wouldn’t be anywhere near as spectacular as this one).
Note to self – send paussines to Wendy.
Note to Ted – please send paussines to Wendy! 🙂
Wow! and…
With what ant was this living?
I really wish I knew. It was just under a rock, all by itself. Within 1m there were Camponotus, Rhytidoponera, Stigmacros, Iridomyrmex… it could have been any of them, or even others.
Wow, so awesome!
You bet. I wonder what story those antennae can tell ……insects are so amazing.
If only i had gotten here in time i could have told you the genus… Oh well. Thanks for sharing!! VERY cool Beetle. 😀