I walked out of the house this morning to play with Avari in her pool, and this is what I found:It was sitting on our back patio (if you can call it a patio - it's very small). Our dog immediately approached for further investigation. Eyewitness reports say that the bug jumped off the ground a good 6 inches, landed, jumped again and landed on his back (I was in the house retrieving the camera, which was probably best for everyone involved, especially the bug). After his incredible display of jumping prowess, the bug played possum while we examined him. I have to say that I took this picture at very close range. Of course, the whole time under my breath I was praying, "Dear Lord Jesus, please don't let this thing jump at me, or Avari will be scarred for life by my reaction." She already has a more than healthy fear of bugs thanks to me!
Don't worry, all you bug lovers out there, we followed the prime directive (my husband has been exposing me to Star Trek, of late). We released him unharmed back into the wild.
Anyway, if you ever see one, this is an Eyed Elator, also called an Eyed Click Beetle, and his scientific name is Alaus Oculatus. Apparently, the adults are harmless to humans and drink nectar from flowers. The false eyes are there to scare off would-be predators. Let me tell ya, it worked for me!
So, there's your entymology lesson for today. Do you feel smarter?
1 comments:
I think I remember seeing one of those when I was younger but I never knew what it was.
My dad has a strong porch light outside his house at night where all sorts of very LARGE and strange bugs gather. Måns and I were a little nervous to get too close, but there were also lizards all over the place. They must have a feast at night.
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