P1130185
3/4inch long, curls up when threatened otherwise very active and flexible in the hand. Brown soft spikes above on a segmented body, the black sections I thought were hard. Underside creamy with black sucker feet. Found in fallen, dry Camellia and Ceanothus leaves on sandy soil. August 2011
Other observations of Drilus flavescens
Comments
Drilus flavescens
This is the larva. The adult female, although 'larviform' lacks the fern-like frond tufts. Amazing looking critter. Although the males are quite widespread in chalky areas, the larvae and females are extremely rarely seen. Thank you for posting this picture.
Richard Jones
larvae/females
When I lived in Hampshire I saw what was either the larvae or female several times, but I've never knowingly seen the male, so either the distribution is oddly biased or I just haven't got my eye in for the male beetles! The larvae/females used to turn up on logs and the sides of paths etc., so I always thought of them as fairly easy to see if you were within right habitat and part of the country.
----
Open University - Biodiversity Observatory
Males vs. larvae
I've only ever seen males myself but I hear about Drilus larvae fairly regularly (usually in a 'what on earth is this?' context) so I suspect Martin is right.
Hi Richard, is this then the
Hi Richard, is this then the Female which stays/looks like the larval form?? Or just the larval stage?
Regards
-Richard-