Thread: Invasion of the little green men

Aren't they stink bugs?

Appears to be Plague Soldier Beetle.
"Plague Soldier Beetles form huge swarms of mating beetles in late summer. They visit flowers and are thought to feed on nectar, pollen and soft-bodied invertebrates. Their lrvae live in the soil and eat soft-bodied invertebrates."

Biodiversity Snapshots | info

Originally Posted by tea lady

Aren't they stink bugs?

They don't stink now and I hope they're not planning too either

Originally Posted by springwater

They don't stink now and I hope they're not planning too either

I think they stink if you squish them.

Rather attractive little beasties. Can see why they are called soldier beetles.

Thanks Artme a quick research tells me there's a plague of them going on.

Taken from: Insect of the week: The Plague Soldier Beetle isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds « News @ CSIRO

The bright colours of Chauliognathus are a warning to any predator thinking of taking a swipe at one, as they exude a white viscous fluid from their glands that repels any predators thinking of getting too close.

The soldier beetle also secretes the same chemical in a wax form to protect it’s eggs against infection.

Our researchers have recently found the genes that give the chemical its anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties, and were able to replicate the synthesis in the lab. This may one day lead to the development of new anti-biotic and anti-cancer related products.