Forget the fab four, think the fab 12. For the next 12 weeks, it’s quiz time again and this time, I will be testing your knowledge of British beetles. Many beetles have metallic or iridescent coloured elytra and thorax, making them - the real shining stars of the show. Beetles can live in a wide range of habitats. Some can fly and others cannot. Some have long antennae, and others long legs. Some have even mastered the art of disguise! Prepared to be be(et)dazzled and if you’re feeling lucky, perhaps you can even guess the bonus quiz question!Magical mystery beetle quiz #1Clue: Perhaps you haven’t herd the horns of Nimon.Bonus quiz: Kestrel let her.
Thanks for that info CinJ, have been reading up more closely on DocWho storyline!!
2013 photos & vids here
eff37 on Flickr
Answer tomorrow...
Congratulations to all of you who guessed Minotaur beetle (Typhaeus typhoeus). First a bit about the clues. First clue: Perhaps you haven’t herd the horns of Nimon. Herd is a play on the way ‘heard’. Herd often refers to a collection of cattle. A minotaur is a mythical beast that was half man, half bull. The Horns of Nimon refers to the 1979 Doctor Who episode that features a Minotaur-like creature. Second clue: Ariadne might help if you get lost. In Greek mythology, the Minotaur lived in a labyrinth built on the command of King Minos of Crete. The King of Athens’ son Theseus volunteered to kill the creature. Ariadne, the daughter of Minos who had fallen in love with Theseus helped him navigate the labyrinth.
Minotaur beetles are a type of scarab beetle that are capable of burrowing tunnels as deep as 150cm. Preferring sandy habitats and mainly active at night, they can be found all year round. The male Minotaur beetle is equipped with 3 slender horns on its pronotum (part of the middle body section). Growing up to 2cm, Minotaur beetle have black glossy bodies with ridges in their wing cases.
A picture of a Minotaur beetle can be found here.
Did you know: that Minotaur beetles are partial to rabbit droppings as well as other types of dung.
Bonus quiz answer: Helter Skelter. 1968, The White Album.
Keep an eye out for next week’s mystery beetle quiz here soon!
Take care,
Claire
I think we all thought the bonus quiz referred to another beetle!! BTW, a 'funny' for you - my boy always calls them 'hooter-scooter' but is progressing now ... 'helter-scooter' is the latest!!!
Edit: sorry, fogot to say 'clever CinJ'
well done Germain
I also thought the bonus was a beetle
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Fooled you all [insert evil laugh]!
Wicked Mrs T - fancy laughing at us poor saps!!!!
Never even got on the right track with this,got a hospital appointment next week,might just ask them to look for the thinking gene !!
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Well Ray it was a Beatle ;)
Cin J