Beetles are certainly not my forté, but it’s hard to pass one by when everything you see in the Bolivian Amazon is new to you!
Remember you can view the photos larger by clicking on them!
These ground beetles (family Carabidae) were especially prevalent by the river next to our accomodations and were easy to find at night as they ran around hunting (this one appears to have caught a cicada or other true bug).
These small scarabs were on almost every leaf around the areas I searched for micropezids! Sitting out in the open with their lamellate antennae spread wide open waiting to catch a scent of some freshly dropped dung, these beetles were often first on the scene when a new “diner” opened for business!
Just as fun in the tropics as here at home, click beetles (family Elateridae) have the ability to literally flip themselves off their backs using a specially modified projection on their chest. Some of these larger species can gain some respectable height, providing some easy entertainment on rainy days in the jungle!
To end off today, I’d like to offer a challenge for those that have an inordinate fondness. I’m not sure what family this little shiner belongs to and would love some suggestions! My default guess is Chrysomelidae (the leaf beetles) but if you have an idea, please drop me a note!
Join me tomorrow for a look at some wasp-waisted wonders!
Looks Chrysomelid-ish to me…
Yes, chrysomelidoid in gestalt, and the tarsi appear to be right (greatly expanded tarsomere 3).