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 #2Clue: An irritated Robiquet.Bonus quiz: Your win labels me.
It was my Mother who really made me listen to them .. She had great natural talent, perfect pitch 'n all that & she greatly appreciated their simple but melodic tunes ... Me, I'm tone deaf but her talent passed to her granddaughter (life's not fair sometimes!!)
2013 photos & vids here
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Don't weaken S, you do OK ... all be clear as mud Friday ... & this is only week 2 of the 12!!! Lol
Got the 4 year old grandson stopping over tonight he may have more idea than me and Chris !!
Pete
Birding is for everyone no matter how good or bad we are at it,enjoy it while you can
Clue: Ibertrans Aerea.
Very clever Mrs T ... Spanish Fly, ha ha!!
'E's' good at this!
Ah Spanish fly on that clue - well done Wendy
Cin J
Umm,Spanish Fly,gonna keep clear of that one !!
been out most of the day
hope it's right Senora T
Ray
a good laugh is better than a tonic
Gonna have to wait 'til Friday E!!
Congratulations to all of you who guessed Spanish fly (Lytta vesicatoria). First a bit about the clues. First clue: An irritated Robiquet. Cantharidin, a substance obtained from blister beetles is the principle irritant of the aphrodisiac Spanish fly. It was named by French chemist Pierre Robiquet in 1810. Second clue: Ibertrans Aerea. This is simply the name of a Spanish airline. When you travel by aeroplane, you fly.
Found throughout June and July, feeding on Ash and privet, the Spanish fly has iridescent green electra and can grow up to 2cm. This beetle gives off a strong mouse-like smell and when alarmed emits a rather unpleasant blistering liquid. They are found throughout Europe and as far as Central Asia and Siberia
A picture of a Spanish fly can be found here.
Did you know: that Spanish flies are often mistaken for Musk beetles, thought similar in shape and size, they (Musk beetles) have much longer antennae.
Bonus quiz answer: Yellow Submarine. 1966, Yellow Submarine.
Keep an eye out for next week’s mystery beetle quiz here soon!
Take care,
Claire