Chlaenius circumscriptus facts for kids

Chlaenius circumscriptus is a type of ground beetle. It lives in many parts of the world, including Europe, Asia, and North Africa.

This beetle was once known by a different name, Epomis circumscriptus.

Where Chlaenius circumscriptus Lives

This beetle can be found in many countries. These include Albania, Armenia, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Bulgaria, Croatia, Egypt, France, Georgia, Greece, Hungary, Israel, Italy, Jordan, Kazakhstan, Portugal, Romania, Russia, Slovakia, Spain, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, Turkey, Ukraine, and Uzbekistan.

Appearance and How They Live

Adult Beetle Appearance

Adult Chlaenius circumscriptus beetles are quite striking. They are a shiny metallic blue color with a hint of purple. They have a bright yellow-orange border around their wing covers, which are called elytra. Their legs and antennae are mostly yellow. These beetles are about 18 to 22.5 millimeters long. This is roughly the size of a large paperclip.

Larvae: Young Beetles

The young beetles, known as larvae, can grow up to 20 millimeters long. They are white or yellow with black and orange patterns. Like many beetle larvae, they have a long body. They also have two small extensions at their back end. A key feature is their special double-hooked jaws, called mandibles.

How Larvae Hunt Amphibians

Chlaenius circumscriptus larvae have a very unusual way of finding food. They eat only amphibians, like frogs and toads. The larvae attract amphibians by moving in a way that looks like prey.

When an amphibian tries to catch the larva, the larva is often quick enough to dodge the first attack. Then, while the amphibian is still close, the larva strikes back. It uses its strong, hooked jaws to grab onto the amphibian. Once attached, the larva begins to feed on the amphibian's body fluids. It can also chew on the amphibian's skin and tissues. Sometimes, this feeding can even kill the amphibian.

Even if an amphibian manages to swallow a larva, the larva might still survive. One young frog swallowed a larva but found it distasteful. The frog then spit the larva out a few hours later. The larva was covered in mucus but seemed unharmed.

Larval Growth and Adult Diet

When the larvae grow and need to shed their skin (this is called molting), they drop off their host. After molting, they must find a new amphibian to feed on.

Adult Chlaenius circumscriptus beetles are not as picky eaters as their larvae. They are generalist predators. This means they eat many different kinds of prey. They are even able to feed on amphibians that are much larger than themselves.

See also

In Spanish: Chlaenius circumscriptus para niños