NAMIB DESERT BEETLE
Onymacris unguicularis
Common names: Head-Stander Beetle, Namib Desert Beetle, Fog-basking Beetle, Darkling Beetle
This insect is nicknamed the "Head-Stander Beetle" because of its unique water collecting methods. The Namib Desert is one of the most arid places on Earth and somehow, this beetle has been able to adapt to this environment by using unique methods to collect water giving it the ability to create a self storing water system. This amazing adaptation has made it possible to sustain life in its extreme environment. The beetle positions itself on a small sand dune and will point its head downwards with its thorax(rear) in the air. On the Beetle are hardened wings that have small bumps that help collect and condense fog and convert it water droplets. The spaces in between the bumps are called troughs, are water resistant. This creates a sliding effect as gravity guides the droplets down the body towards the head and finally into the beetles mouth. This is an amazing event this beetles performs and allows the beetle to thrive where otherwise it would surely perish.
(This Process is shown in the picture below)
Taxonomy:
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Tenebrionidae
Genus: Onymacris
Species: Unguicularis
Family: Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
One of the largest families in the beetle order with more than 15,000 known species!
Characteristics
All Darkling Beetles have similar characteristics such as five visible abdominal sternites, antennae with eleven segments (not always), and having notched eyes.
Diet
Most Darkling Beetles are scavengers. Their diet ranges from plant matter, fungi, dead insects, and even other animal waste.
Life Cycle
Undergo complete metamorphosis with the four stages of development; egg, larva, pupa, and finally adult.
Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Arthropoda
Class: Insecta
Order: Coleoptera
Family: Tenebrionidae
Genus: Onymacris
Species: Unguicularis
Family: Tenebrionidae (Darkling Beetles)
One of the largest families in the beetle order with more than 15,000 known species!
Characteristics
All Darkling Beetles have similar characteristics such as five visible abdominal sternites, antennae with eleven segments (not always), and having notched eyes.
Diet
Most Darkling Beetles are scavengers. Their diet ranges from plant matter, fungi, dead insects, and even other animal waste.
Life Cycle
Undergo complete metamorphosis with the four stages of development; egg, larva, pupa, and finally adult.
(left) Life Cycle of the Darkling Beetle