Onychocerus albitarsis, commonly known as the scorpion beetle, is a species of cerambycid beetle found only in the rainforests of South America. This beetle has a very unusual defense mechanism: its long, slender antennae are equipped with stinging organs that are remarkably similar to scorpion stingers, and they can deliver a venomous sting that causes pain and inflammation in humans.
This species is the only known example of a beetle with a venomous sting, and it's the only arthropod that is known to have stingers on its antennae.
This article describes the stinging apparatus in greater detail:
The terminal antennal segment of Onychocerus albitarsis has two pores opening into channels leading to the tip through which the secretion is
delivered. The delivery system is almost identical to that found in the stinger of a deadly buthid scorpion.
Like social hymenoptera, the stings are administered in defense. This defense strategy would not be of assistance during the imperiled immature stages, but would probably be directed towards vertebrate
predators of adult cerambycids, including birds, lizards, or even monkeys.
The adult beetles typically measure about 14-21mm long. This species is known to inhabit certain parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Peru.
Makes sense if we consider that the antennae(and mouthparts) of arthropods are modified legs. Definitely an interesting species as an entomology nerd, though, since I thought all Cerambycids were generally safe to handle.
You’re right on that one, I wouldn’t put my finger anywhere near the mandibles of larger species. They generally tend to be less bitey than ladybugs, though.
Considering there are 400,000 described beetle species out of a potential couple million of total species, it’s amazing that only a single venomous species of beetle has been discovered. Maybe there are more out there waiting to become known to science!
Onychocerus albitarsis, commonly known as the scorpion beetle, is a species of cerambycid beetle found only in the rainforests of South America. This beetle has a very unusual defense mechanism: its long, slender antennae are equipped with stinging organs that are remarkably similar to scorpion stingers, and they can deliver a venomous sting that causes pain and inflammation in humans.
This species is the only known example of a beetle with a venomous sting, and it's the only arthropod that is known to have stingers on its antennae.
This article describes the stinging apparatus in greater detail:
The adult beetles typically measure about 14-21mm long. This species is known to inhabit certain parts of Brazil, Paraguay, Bolivia, and Peru.
Sources & More Info:
Ive never heard if weaponized antennae before, very cool
Given just how many arthropods have antennae, I’m surprised something like this hasn’t popped up more often.
Makes sense if we consider that the antennae(and mouthparts) of arthropods are modified legs. Definitely an interesting species as an entomology nerd, though, since I thought all Cerambycids were generally safe to handle.
Cerambycids chew their way out of dead trees, so usually have remarkably powerful mandibles, and give quite a bite if threatened.
I wouldn't really call them dangerous, but I'd keep my fingers out of chomper range.
You’re right on that one, I wouldn’t put my finger anywhere near the mandibles of larger species. They generally tend to be less bitey than ladybugs, though.
Ladybugs? I've had them crawl on me throughout my life. Never heard of them being bitey
So why are they holding it with bare hands? 😬
Might be 'medically insignificant' to humans.
Or... They can cause acute pain & swelling
I thought it was dead specimen.
Same reason people pick up seasnails then post it on the identify subreddits asking if its venomous.
They dumb.
Oh I know this animal! I even turned it into Hatsune Miku!
Yes, I did indeed Drew this beetle as Hatsune Mike
Edit: Here’s the link to bug Miku
You really not gonna show us the goods?
I can’t seem to post images in this comment for some reason…
Post the link
Back! I edited the link, my Dad wanted me to watch a movie with him
I don't know about it being the only beetle with a venomous sting.
What about John saying that Ringo wasn't even the best drummer in the beatles. I bet that stung.
Yeah, but it wasnt said with any venom, it was just true
They made a Pokémon out of a teapot before this. Like come on, this guy is already a Pokémon as is!
Somehow it's not native to Australia.
But it is native to Brazil, a second best, where they have fish that swim up your urethra and an island full of pit vipers to name a few…….
tbf both of those are in isolated places, except for the spider that makes your dick hard and then you lose it if you don't go to the hospital
I thought the dying of respiratory failure if you don't go to the hospital was more of a concern.
I believe if you do survive the ordeal you get chronic ED. So the longest boner of your life and your last.
Didn't know that, but if you fail to stop the boner in 4 hours you get necrosis and you have to remove it or you die.
I did not know this animal existed
Thats wild
Team Cherry: takes notes
fascinating!
Considering there are 400,000 described beetle species out of a potential couple million of total species, it’s amazing that only a single venomous species of beetle has been discovered. Maybe there are more out there waiting to become known to science!
Ooooo neat ! 😯
I'mma call it the Tim Burton Beetle
Weaponized antennae has to be a first.
This would make a cool kamen rider