Thelyphassa lineata facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Thelyphassa lineata |
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| Scientific classification | |
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Oedemeridae
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| Genus: |
Thelyphassa
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| Species: |
lineata
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| Thelyphassa lineata (Fabricius, 1775)
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The striped lax beetle (scientific name: Thelyphassa lineata) is a special type of beetle. It is also known as a 'false blister beetle'. This beetle is found only in New Zealand, which means it is endemic there.
What Does the Striped Lax Beetle Look Like?
Adult striped lax beetles are about 15 mm long. That's about the length of your fingernail! Their bodies are a golden-brown color. They have two black stripes along each side of their belly area. There is also one black stripe along their back, near their head.
Where Do They Live and What Do They Eat?
The young beetles, called grubs, live inside old, rotting logs in the forest. They help break down the wood. Adult beetles are thought to eat pollen and nectar from flowers. This means they might help plants by moving pollen around.
How Do They Protect Themselves?
The striped lax beetle has a special way to protect itself. It can release a chemical called Cantharidin. This chemical can cause skin to get irritated or even form small blisters if you touch it.
Scientists first noticed this in the late 1980s. About 74 people from the New Zealand Army reported getting skin irritation. This happened after they came into contact with these beetles. It shows how the beetle uses this chemical for defense.
