The photo at the top shows a bumblebee-mimicking beetle known as Lasiotrichius succinctus, while the photo on the bottom shows another species known as Lichnanthe rathvoni.
The families Glaphyridae and Scarabaeidae contain several different types of bumblebee-mimicking beetles. The adults are strong, diurnal fliers that can often be found hovering around flowers or perched atop the petals, feeding on the pollen, nectar, and/or sap that the flowers produce.
Many of these beetles have banded patterns in their setae or on their elytra (the protective casings that cover their wings) and their bodies are covered in long, fuzzy-looking bristles. They're also excellent pollinators, just like the bumblebees they mimic.
Some species are known as bee-mimicking flower chafers, bumblebee scarabs, or bee-beetles, but "bumble-beetle" seems like the most fitting nickname.
A few months ago, I wrote a post about a very plump, fluffy-looking beetle known as the African woolly chafer, and several people commented that it should be described as a "bumble-beetle." The African woolly chafer does look like a bumblebee, but I wanted to note that "bumble-beetles" actually do exist -- and they are truly adorable.
Sources & More Info:
Kaufman Field Guide to the Insects of North America: Bumblebee Scarabs
Bees and wasps converging onto similar warning patterns is Muellerian mimicry - when a predator learns that a certain pattern means "danger", everyone with the pattern benefits. Lots of animals, like the bee beetles, then freeload off of this, which is called Batesian mimicry!
Why yes, I too love pollen. Since we are all definitely pollen-loving bees here, why don’t we all share these fresh flowers? You can trust me, I’m obviously a bumblebee like you…
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I love them... I feed them all year around... I love to see them coming and going and sometimes lending on me...
Looking at them close they are so beautiful...
The photo at the top shows a bumblebee-mimicking beetle known as Lasiotrichius succinctus, while the photo on the bottom shows another species known as Lichnanthe rathvoni.
The families Glaphyridae and Scarabaeidae contain several different types of bumblebee-mimicking beetles. The adults are strong, diurnal fliers that can often be found hovering around flowers or perched atop the petals, feeding on the pollen, nectar, and/or sap that the flowers produce.
Many of these beetles have banded patterns in their setae or on their elytra (the protective casings that cover their wings) and their bodies are covered in long, fuzzy-looking bristles. They're also excellent pollinators, just like the bumblebees they mimic.
Some species are known as bee-mimicking flower chafers, bumblebee scarabs, or bee-beetles, but "bumble-beetle" seems like the most fitting nickname.
A few months ago, I wrote a post about a very plump, fluffy-looking beetle known as the African woolly chafer, and several people commented that it should be described as a "bumble-beetle." The African woolly chafer does look like a bumblebee, but I wanted to note that "bumble-beetles" actually do exist -- and they are truly adorable.
Sources & More Info:
Maybe a dumb question but what is the purpose of mimicking a bee? Is it to deter predators?
Yes -- it deters predators, since they tend to avoid bumblebees (and bees in general) in order to avoid getting stung.
A lot of other insects are known to mimic bees, bumblebees, wasps, hornets, etc. for the same reason.
TIL that’s why wasps mimic bees
Bees and wasps converging onto similar warning patterns is Muellerian mimicry - when a predator learns that a certain pattern means "danger", everyone with the pattern benefits. Lots of animals, like the bee beetles, then freeload off of this, which is called Batesian mimicry!
I thought that last thing was dressing up as your tyrannical late mom.
It is amazing - also amazing how many beetles are also pollinators!
Hello there, fellow bees…
Why yes, I too love pollen. Since we are all definitely pollen-loving bees here, why don’t we all share these fresh flowers? You can trust me, I’m obviously a bumblebee like you…
Fuzzy beetles are so cute
I have a folder on my phone that is specifically dedicated to photos of fuzzy beetles, because they're just so charming and weird. My favorites are Pygopleurus koniae, Julodis cirrosa, and Julodis viridipes.
I adore that you have a folder dedicated to fuzzy beetles! 😄
Thanks so much for the info and the reading list showing me a local friend!
batesian mimicry just warms my heart for some reason.
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I love them... I feed them all year around... I love to see them coming and going and sometimes lending on me... Looking at them close they are so beautiful...