Whilst birding
at Sabkhat Al Fasl Phil found a beetle that appears to be a Churchyard Beetle
Blaps kolari. This is a medium to large beetle
measuring up to 40mm in length with an elongated body. The thorax is oval in
shape and it has long legs and short antennae. The adult has an opening in the
vicinity of the anal projection from which they can discharge a jet of foul-smelling
liquid to defend themselves. They are widespread
throughout the Arabian Peninsula and are mainly active during the cooler months
of the year from September to April. The beetle feeds on plant materials and often
store food in burrows of rodents and other insects. If anyone thinks I have
made a mistake with the identification please let me know as I know very little
about beetles.
