Several years ago ...

August 7, 2020

Several years ago, I was hanging out in my friend Bradley's basement when I felt a tickle on my leg. I reached down to scratch my leg and felt a distressingly large lump on my calf ... and then the lump made a squeaking noise. I learned two things that night: that the brown prionid beetle is capable of squeaking, and that when properly motivated, I can shed my pants in less than half a second.

The brown prionid beetle (Orthosoma brunneum) is a fairly common large beetle, and it's the only species within its genus! Like many longhorn beetles, these beetles lay their eggs in rotting wood. The larvae feed on the dead wood while the adults feed on tree leaves.

Of course, one of the most unique features of the brown prionid is that when they feel threatened, they make a squeaking noise! If you crank up the volume on the short video clip, you can hear the beetle squeaking at me at the very end. It's kind of cute, especially if it isn't inside your pants! #BenInNature

ABOUT THIS POST
Social distancing can be difficult, but it presents a great opportunity to become reacquainted with nature. While he is working from home, Administrator of Science Ben Williams is venturing outdoors each day to record a snapshot of the unique sights that can be found in the natural world.

NATURE PHOTO IDENTIFICATIONS
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