6. In fact, they are often considered the strongest insect and even the strongest animal in relation to their body weight. After the adults mate, clusters of 50 to 100 eggs are often laid directly on the carpet or fabric so the larvae will begin consuming the fabrics immediately upon hatching. Japanese beetles, Jewel scarabs, and Hercules beetles are all other examples of members of the Scarabaeidae family. Japanese beetles have shiny, iridescent copper-colored wings and emerald-colored heads and upper bodies. The larvae, or grubs (Figures 2, 4, 5), have a C -shaped body and brown head. Apply ice: To minimize swelling and pain, use an ice pack. The ornate beetles, which have a. Order: Coleoptera. 2008. Seals were created in the shape of a scarab and used to. A beetle flying through the window is said to be a good. Treating Beetle Bites. Still, only a few are able to clamp down strongly enough to harm humans. Fun stuff. These are insects that vary considerably inhabits, with many species feeding on manure like the iconic dung beetle. This member of the family Geotrupidae is endemic to Florida and is one of many earth-boring dung beetles. Stag beetles are known for their large mandibles, or “pincers,” which resemble the horns of a stag deer and give the insect its popular name. Elytra forewings are hard and well-polished (they protect scarab beetles from predators). Japanese beetles have shiny, iridescent copper-colored wings and emerald-colored heads and upper bodies. Their diet and feeding habits make them essential contributors to soil health, pest control, and overall ecological balance. These small beetles are oval shaped, the color is usually black or reddish brown. Page showcasing all insects found in the North American state/province/territory of Nebraska. But coloration can vary from one species to another. (rhinoceros beetles) in the larger family Scarabaeidae (commonly known as scarab beetles). Damage From the Scarab Beetle Grub in a Vegetable Garden. Do Rhino Beetles Bite. Tropical species are usually brightly colored and covered with numerous markings. Paulsen. X. ); Coleoptera: Scarabaeidae – and can be found in soil, decaying wood and manure. Japanese beetles do not bite. But lest you disagree, please consider these 10 fascinating facts about dung beetles. Adults can stand any. To the ancient Egyptians, this common beetle symbolized hope and the restoration of life. There are two subfamilies: Silphinae and Nicrophorinae. Beetles, on the other hand, aren’t very good at biting people. ”. Fortunately, her veterinarian was able to remove the beetles, and Bailey was restored to good health. White-spotted Sawyer Beetle. Woodland Ground Beetle. Do Carpet Beetles Bite & What Do They Look Like? What Do June Bugs (June Beetles) Eat?. Beetle bites are generally not harmful to humans, but they can be painful and cause irritation. Some species of black beetle are completely harmless and can even help keep bugs out of your home. Japanese beetles, a type of scarab beetle, are identified by their shiny, metallic colors. These white, C-shaped creatures have soft bodies with legs near the head. Thankfully these beetles bites are not fatal and poisonous. Description: Scarab beetles are abundant; there are over 1,000 species just in North America. Image Source: i. Some species have. Scarab beetles have stout bodies and are typically bright metallic colors. Information about the scarab beetle is found in a chapter of the book called ‘Weighing the heart against the feather of truth’. Scarabs that are considered dung beetles often roll balls of dung that they later bring. Through their inscriptions and typology,. But lest you disagree, please consider these 10 fascinating facts about dung beetles. Although they have mandibles (teeth), their jaws are not strong enough to break the skin. Page showcasing all insects found in the North American state/province/territory of Washington. These red-brown beetles commonly appear in the Northern Hemisphere during warm evenings from May to early July, with the heaviest. . The front legs of many species are adapted for digging. 2. Of all the problems Japanese beetles pose, biting humans is not one of them. It has been estimated that dung beetles save the UK cattle industry £367 million per annum through the provision of ecosystem services ( Beynon et al. Woodland Ground Beetle. A dung beetle, or tumblebug as it is known in Egypt, is a sacred scarab beetle. Because June bugs do not sting or bite and resemble most beetles, they are less dangerous to people than other insects, and June bugs are less likely to encounter humans because they are more active at night. Instead, the structures are used for protection and competing for mating rights. A male stag beetle does not use its huge mandibles to bite and chew its food. Emerging adults have a distinct shiny, metallic dark green to yellowish or brownish-green color wing covers or elytra, and a dull dark green head. ) 2022-05-28. They are more diverse in the. Illustration of a male (left) and a female (right) Description. Woodland Ground Beetle. Therefore consider the list below as a general indicator of the insects, bugs and spiders that may be found in a given state or province. X. 204. They don’t bite but the beetles contains a toxin which can cause the nasty reaction. Ladybugs are often seen as one of the most beautiful and luckiest beetles. Because June bugs do not sting or bite and resemble most beetles, they are less dangerous to people than other insects, and June bugs are less likely to encounter humans because they are more active at night. Some species have specific adaptations for eating dung, like special mouthparts and strong digestive systems. Some species of dung beetles can bury dung 250 times their own. 190. 2004). Beetles range in size from 0. 2. Stag Beetles. Sacred Scarab Symbolisms. This is a brown beetle with a black head, growing to fourteen millimeters in length. June bugs, also known as May bugs or June beetles, are a group of scarab beetles that are distributed across North America. This large black beetle is known for feeding on decaying flesh, rotten fruit, larvae, dead skin, and dead tissue. 202. The smaller carpet beetles. Except in genera Dermestes and Trichelodes, there is a single ocellus in the middle of the head. The Scarabaeoid Beetles of Nebraska Brett C. Because they are indiscriminate organic matter eaters, it is. Texas is home to more than 100 scarab beetle species, also known as white grubs, May beetles, or June bugs. Rainbow Scarab Beetles are extremely good at degrading feces. The most common beetle of the scarab family is the common June bug. QUICK LISTS. Grapevine beetles are common in the north and central United States and eastern Canada, but do relatively little damage to their host plants. , Metropolitan Museum of Art, New York, New York, United States. Like their common relative, the Pelidnota punctata is nocturnal, and attracted to bright light. Light speckles are scattered across its wing coverings. The larvae of common carpet beetles are red-brown in color and covered with dark hair, making them easy to spot. 0 cm (0. Larvae of some Scarab Beetles, including species known as ‘cockchafers’, may also infest the roots of potted ornamentals, or damage a range of garden and edible plants by. There are several. In addition, almost 100 fossil species have been described. The family is among the largest of the beetles, with some 15,500 species known in 775 genera. Using their mandibles, they can bite humans but are not harmful. 5 ounces of weight. The scientific name is necessary to include with the common name because there are only two stag. Like many beetles, they have clubbed antennae but the segments appear separated, rather than compact like scarab beetles. After you spray, the grubs will come to the surface where birds, skunks, and. They are diverse in size but can be recognized by their oval bodies, a five segmented tarsi, lamellate antennae, and a front tibiae that is scalloped. Larvae (Figure 3) are a type of white grub and occur in soil. Of the several measures to get rid of the beetles, the commonest one includes spraying insecticides. The beetles feed on over 400 plants including rose, raspberry, bean, grape and blueberry. Scarab beetles symbolize the human soul. However, if bitten, follow these steps: Clean the area: Use soap and water to reduce infection risk. com, entomology. 55” (13 – 14 mm) long. More than just powerhouses, scarab beetles serve important roles in the habitats where they live. Discover 10 Types of Black Beetles. 201. Egyptian scarab beetles have also been connected to the. Some people may experience these sensations as an allergic response to the hemolymph and hair of carpet beetle larvae. Color: They are primarily black or brown, with a metallic sheen. X. They are primarily a problem in San Joaquin Valley plantations that have not been fumigated. Heavy spring rains and thunderstorms provide the perfect conditions for Christmas beetles to hatch out of the soil. Is the Goliath beetle endangered? 17. Phanaeus vindex, the rainbow scarab, is a North American dung beetle, with a range from the eastern US to the Rocky Mountains. They are typically detritivores, provisioning their nests with leaf litter (often moldy. Did You Know. They use this stronger jaw to fight off other males and get the best nesting site. A species of ground beetle (Calosoma scrutator). What Happens If A Beetle Bites You? If you are bitten by a beetle, you may experience pain, swelling, and blistering in the area of the bite. The scientific name is necessary to include with the common name because there are only two stag beetle species native to Hawaii. Larvae, like all beetles, are grubs: plump, white, wormy creatures that curl into a c-shape. 206. Beetle Encounters & Omens. The sacred scarab beetle of Egyptian fame is a dung beetle, or tumblebug, as it is called in this country. This does not go for all species, as one species called the Ten-Lined June Beetle does not bite usually. And because beneficial insects and pollinators might become collateral damage if pesticides are used, properly identifying the “bad” beetles is a must for every gardener. 199. Like their adult counterparts, however, these are strictly for eating roots. North American scarab beetles range in length from less than 1⁄2 in. . Some eat fruit, fungi, carrion, or insects. The Japanese beetle, Popillia japonica, is a scarab beetle about 3/8“ long. C. Largest Beetles: Eastern Hercules Beetle, Japanese Beetle, Green June Beetle, Larder Beetle. Spotted Cucumber Beetle. 118. Entries are listed below in alphabetical order (A-to-Z). In their adult stage, some scarab beetles damage plant leaves, flowers and fruits. Do beetles bite or sting? The simple answer is, yes, they can. Newly emerging dogbane beetles eat feces for nutrition. Jewel beetles are known for their beautiful, iridescent colors. They feed on the leaves and petals of more than 300 species, including roses, grapes, and raspberries. However, some insects bite and sting if they are threatened so it is best to avoid touching them if you want to avoid being stung or bitten. hercules, seven other species are recognized in the genus Dynastes. 47 to 1. Egg. Although they aren’t particularly aggressive towards humans, they have a sneaky habit of destroying plants, including flowers, turf grass, and even food vegetation. What eats a Goliath beetle? Predators and Threats; 15. However, there are a few exceptions. Scarab beetles eat dung too. If a blister beetle lands on your skin, don’t crush it. The scarab-beetle god Khepera was believed to push the setting sun along the sky in the same manner as the bettle with his ball of dung. The dark flower scarab is a scarab beetle that apparently eats pollen, nectar, and perhaps other parts of flowers in late spring and also sometimes in fall, sometimes becoming an agricultural pest. 198. Black-Soil Scarab (Othnonius batesii) Larvae of this scarab beetle cause enormous damage to crops and pastures in the black soil country of northern New South Wales, often denuding areas of up to several acres. Like all beetles, the green metallic scarab beetle has hardened forewings called “elytra. The shell-like forewings (elytra) have a distinctive shape, wider toward the end of the body and narrower toward the front. The scarab (kheper) beetle was one of the most popular amulets in ancient Egypt because the insect was a symbol of the sun god Re. Body of some species of scarab beetles have metallic sheen. Keeping the environment suitable for your beetle larvae. Blister beetles: These beetles feed on crops and gardens, so human contact is likely. Do scarab beetles bite? A: Actually there are about 1,400 types of scarab beetles in North America alone. The sacred scarab, perhaps the most well-known member of the family, was worshipped by Egyptians as the embodiment of Khepri, the sun god. Many dung beetles, known as rollers, roll dung into round balls, which are used as a food source or breeding chambers. Alternatively, the bugs may be phorid humpbacked flies. The family includes the Goliath beetle from. Adults are about 1/2 inch long. They are usually small – less than 6 mm ( 1⁄4 in) in length – and herbivorous. 5–11 millimetres (0. Page showcasing all insects found in the North American state/province/territory of Tennessee. Larvae may be up to 1. White-spotted Sawyer Beetle. These beetles have a wide range of diets, depending on the species. Scarab Beetle Control: Overview. After hatching the larvae will. Larvae typically have a hardened head capsule, a pair of mandibles, and three pairs of legs near the front end of the body; some larvae are grub-like, with or without legs, while others may be more slender and mobile, with long legs. Ratcliffe & M. However, these beetles are not known to bite humans, and they are generally considered to be harmless. By contrast there are 4,034 species of Coleoptera in the British Isles, consisting of 106 families . J. They feed on fungi, dung or decaying flesh and act as a cleanup crew for the animal kingdom. University of Nebraska State Museum, Vol 22, 570 pp. Color: The elytra are light or dark brown or even green. 3. They will pull in their legs and “play dead” if they are bothered. ”. Watch on. While dung beetles abound in the state, the rainbow scarab, a type of dung beetle named for its iridescent and colorful body, is quite rare. Another relatively smaller family of beetles that sting is the stag beetle family also called Lucanidae. Fortunately, the real flesh-eating beetles are known as dermestids only feast on dead people, and only about. X. Scarabaeus sacer is a robust, all-black beetle where adults are 1. Common names for this genus and many other related genera in the subfamily Melolonthinae are May beetles, June bugs, and July beetles. The adult beetle (Figure 1) is a tan coloured medium sized scarab beetle (12 mm long). Scarab Beetle Control: Overview. Do Scarab Beetles Attempt to Bite People? Scarab beetles are featured as attacking and devouring people in the film ‘The Mummy. Last medically reviewed on July 8, 2019. Green says June bugs are actually beetles belonging to the family Scarabaeidae and order Coleoptera. Once the eggs of scarab beetles hatched, they will start feeding on your grassroots, affecting the overall health of your lawn. ” The sacred scarab beetle of Egyptian fame is a dung beetle, or tumblebug, as it is called in this country. This Scarab Beetle is larger than others and can grow to almost 5cm, or 2 inches in length. The males can measure as much as 6–11cm (2. pruinose scarab) may also mate and lay some eggs where they emerged before flying to eucal trees. The female earth-boring scarab will dig up to nine feet into the earth and lay her eggs at the very bottom of the tunnel. While the majority of scarab beetles do not eat flesh, some related beetles within the family Silphidae, also known as carrion or burying beetles, are known to consume decaying animal carcasses. The rainbow scarab beetle has a metallic yellow head, black horns, a metallic green abdomen, a black and green underbelly, copper-colored thorax with green or yellow col3s, and yellow antennae. 6 in) long. A stag beetle bite can be intensely painful as they have huge mandibles and strong chewing muscles to break past the skin. Scarab beetles were the objects of worship in Ancient Egypt and the more spectacular varieties are made into jewelry (Woodruff 1973). The Scarabaeus sacer is a dung beetle that was worshipped in ancient Egypt and the beetle that most people associate with the scarab family. 47” to 0. Fire-coloured beetle. ) Do scarab beetles bite? 10. The beetles are attracted to fermenting plant sap, hence their accumulation in the reported locations. A large swarm of Egyptian. Those in the carrion beetle family are flattened, usually black, often with markings of red, orange, or yellow. Washington is home to many species of beetles, including bark, darkling, click, carrion, tiger, blister, longhorn, dung and scarab beetles. Flesh-eating beetles were made famous in the movie The Mummy, where scarab beetles eat humans alive. This includes devastating invasive pests, such as European chafers and Japanese beetles, as well as dozens of species known regionally as May beetles and June beetles. 8. Rainbow scarab | image by Judy Gallagher via Flickr | CC BY 2. It. Extreme beetle-dog encounters are rare. So, dreaming about them may point towards communication with a passed loved one. Although they aren’t particularly aggressive towards humans, they have a sneaky habit of destroying plants, including flowers, turf grass, and even food vegetation. ”. In conclusion, dung beetles play a crucial role in various ecosystems. Most prefer to feed on herbivore droppings. Are there scarab beetles in the US? scarab beetle or scarab, name for members of a large family of heavy-bodied, oval beetles (the Scarabaeidae), with about 30,000 species distributed throughout most of the world and over 1,200 in North America. White-spotted Sawyer Beetle. The scarab beetles often choose to lay eggs in healthy and dense grass. The females appear more brightly colored than their male counterparts. . 1 in) in length. . Rhinoceros Beetle. 189. Common Name. New comments cannot be posted and votes cannot be cast. Are the scarab beetle dangerous? Do scarab beetles bite? Nocturnal and always on the prowl, scarab beetles are anything but friendly. Dung beetles are known for their incredible strength. SCARABAEIDAE. Earth-Boring Scarab Beetle. Furthermore, they can release a nasty-smelling fluid. . Are scarab beetles native to Australia? Australia does have native scarab beetles. The vast. Like many beetles, they have clubbed antennae but the segments appear separated, rather than compact like scarab beetles. Adults dig a tunnel as deep as 10 feet deep, stock it with decaying plant matter and raise their young. It is commonly found in. How do Goliath beetles protect themselves? 16. A male stag beetle does not use its huge mandibles to bite and chew its food. It produces boiling hot toxic liquid that, while non-toxic to humans, can irritate and burn the skin, causing it to feel like a bite or sting. White-spotted Sawyer Beetle. Scarab beetle, any of approximately 30,000 species of beetles that are compact and heavy-bodied insects with robustly oval outlines. Before becoming adults, they spend 14 to 17 days as pupae. 1. When it comes down to it, though, they will have a difficult time getting through human skin. SCARABAEIDAE. When the bite happens, the beetle releases. 10. Florida is home to Peltotrupes profundus, also known as the Florida deepdigger scarab beetle. Superfamily: Scarabaeoidea. bugs and these include: Chafer Beetle Green June Beetle Japanese Beetle Ten-Lined June Beetle. ) (Staphylinidae. X. 11-12) are beetles that belong to the same family as the Japanese beetle and are common in Utah. Scarabs are part of the Insecta class, Arthropoda phylum, and Animalia kingdom. The pupae of the European chafer resemble those of the other turf-infesting scarab beetles, such as the Japanese beetle. What Do Scarab Beetles Eat. The physical appearance of the cigarette beetle and the drugstore beetle have just two major differences. Carrion Clown Beetle – This little black beetle eats dead things and is partial to dead frogs and fish washed up on the banks of bodies of water. The longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae), also known as long-horned or longicorns (whose larvae are often referred to as roundheaded borers), are a large family of beetles, with over 35,000 species described. Though most are not garden ruffians, those that are can cause significant injury. Most are black, brownish, or reddish brown. Types of beetles snakes may eat. . Green June beetles belong to a large family of beetles called scarabs. 5 inches long. A typical life cycle goes like this: Bombardier beetles possess a defense mechanism that releases liquid from their abdomen with an explosive sound. The grapevine beetle (Pelidnota punctata), is a type of scarab that is found in eastern and central parts of North America. White Oak Borer Beetle. Bombardier beetles possess a defense mechanism that releases liquid from their abdomen with an explosive sound. The heads are often brownish, and they. Caucasus beetles are the largest members of the Chalcosoma genus and are one of the largest species of beetles in all of Asia, with males commonly reaching lengths of 3. 200. They can enjoy eating paper, books, carpeting, rugs, wool, cotton, furs, full taxidermy mounts, feathers, and more. The Egyptian Beetle: 10 Scarab Facts That Will Surprise You. If you prefer to go a more natural route, mix 2 tablespoons of dish soap into a gallon of water. The antennae are enlarged at the tip or clubbed, with segments that fan open like leaves but that cannot be pressed together. Coloration and markings of this beetle is also variable, ranging from all black to nearly all yellow with black markings. 5 ounces. As with our other list pages, you can click on the small 'X' in each entry to remove unneeded/unwanted entries in the result. Locating the rainbow scarab (Phanaeus vindex) beetle in Indiana can be like trying to find a needle in a haystack, or, well, like an insect on a dung heap. The genus Chrysina (formerly Plusiotis) is composed primarily of showy large green beetles that range as far north as the Transpecos to southeast. Adults of many scarab beetles are noticeable due to their relatively large size, bright colors, often elaborate ornamentation, and interesting life histories. Insects in the family Cantharidae are known by the common name ‘soldier beetles. If they are bothered, they will pull in their legs and “play dead. Size: 0. Earth-Boring Scarab Beetle. Adult Stag Beetles vary in size depending on their. The head is a metallic yellow color, and males have a black horn which curves backward toward the thorax. 1479 –1458 B. Dec 2, 2013Dynastinae or rhinoceros beetles are a subfamily of the scarab beetle family (Scarabaeidae). Cotinis mutabilis, also known as the figeater beetle (also green fruit beetle or fig beetle ), is a member of the scarab beetle family. The mites climb aboard the carrion beetle to be transported to new food supplies they could never reach by foot. Scarab beetles may eat nectar and pollen too, as a supplemental food source. These beetles are considered the largest beetles in the world, weighing the most as juveniles and having the capacity to lift much heavier objects relative to their size. A scarab beetle is an insect that lives in the Near East. They’re heavy-bodied, robust insects with oval outlines. These beetles can lift weights that are up to 850 times their own body weight. These beetles are common near bodies of. It is the beetle represented as a powerful symbol of an… Do scarab beetles bite? In the movie ‘The Mummy,’ it is depicted that Scarab beetles attack and devour humans. 2 inch–1. They will pull in their legs and “play dead” if they are bothered. Does scarab beetles live by Nile rivers? Yes. Are devil's coach horse beetle bites harmful to people? How do you get rid. Summer plants are green and winter plants are black. One significant species is the giant palo verde root borer beetle as big the size of a human hand, often spotted flying around. The Blue Fungus Beetle (Cypherotylus californicus) is found throughout Arizona. Grapevine Beetles do not have a serious impact on the plant's health or growth. Trending Questions . Of the several measures to get rid of the beetles, the commonest one includes spraying insecticides. 25 mm to 20 cm long. Furthermore, the antennae of the drugstore beetle end in a 3-segmented club. This species of beetles will eat any type of organic matter that is dried, dead, or decaying. However despite their aggressive nature, do Japanese beetles bite humans? What does a Japanese beetle look like? Japanese beetles, a type of scarab beetle, are identified by their shiny, metallic colors. Similarly, predatory beetles like rove beetles, soldier beetles, and tiger beetles are beneficial for controlling other insect populations, even though they might bite if handled. Some bite and feed on plants, insects, and blood, while others are non-biting. Previous Post: What Does It Mean To Mystify Something?Beetle Dreams: Transformation. It flies with these wing coverings, or elytra, closed. They like both plant-based and meat-based matter and are not picky eaters. Do scarab beetles bite? A: Actually there are about 1,400 types of scarab beetles in North. Adults are harmless and do not cause any real trouble, but groups of their larvae can kill a tree, or stunt its growth, by devouring the roots. The legs are darker in color than the body, almost brown. Other Dung Beetle Info; Dung beetles and their effects on soil - Patricia & Dick Richardson. The American carrion beetle measures 0. This is equivalent to a human lifting nearly double-decker buses! A:Although rare, beetle bites can occur from the following species: blister beetles, stag beetles and Longhorned beetles. [1] Most excavate burrows in which to lay their eggs. The dark flower scarab is a scarab beetle that apparently eats pollen, nectar, and perhaps other parts of flowers in late spring and also sometimes in fall, sometimes becoming an agricultural pest. Scarab beetles have heavy, oval-shaped body and 3 pairs of legs. They are also erratic fliers, often colliding into objects when in flight. Figeater Beetle (Cotinus texana) Ten-lined June Beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata) Common Tumblebug Beetle (Canthon laevis) Glorious Scarab Beetle (Plusiotis gloriosa) Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata) Japanese Beetle (Popillia japonica) Longhorn Beetles. The larvae grow up beneath manure or other decaying materials. They consume insects that could become pests along with pollen and nectar. False Japanese beetles are sometimes called sandhill chafers and rarely. Snakes may eat different types of beetles, including: Ground beetles: Snakes that live on the ground may consume ground beetles as part of their diet. Once you mix the water with dish soap, the least “touchy” solution is to pour the soapy water into a spray bottle and spray the beetles on your affected plants. Do scarabs still exist? There are approximately 30,000 scarab species, accounting for 10% of all known beetles. 225. It can bite viciously if held carelessly in the fingers. 2. Bumble flower beetles are not a common pest problem in Iowa. Japanese Beetle Life Cycle “Japanese beetles do two things: reproduce and eat vegetation,” says Bell. In fact, they are often considered the strongest insect and even the strongest animal in relation to their body weight. Adults dig a tunnel as deep as 10 feet deep, stock it with decaying plant matter and raise their young. When a graphic image of Bailey, the dog with over 40 Asian lady beetles stuck to the roof of her mouth, surfaced in 2016, pet parents were naturally alarmed. com. Adult. Can a scarab beetle fly? Like all beetles, the green metallic scarab beetle has hardened forewings called “elytra. Blue Fungus Beetle. Control during the larval stage. The number of species is relatively small at around two hundred. Male rhinoceros beetles are known for their fierce battles over. What is known is that ant scarabs overwinter in ant nests and. Therefore, adult June bugs are basically harmless to humans and other animals. The bumble flower beetles are opportunists that take advantage of cracks and openings that already exist. Longhorn Beetles 10. Clown beetles prefer to shelter in the soil under the carcass during the day. They are usually found feeding on dung, plants, or flowers. Almost 30,000 kinds of beetles are recognised. However, it is generally believed that they do not bite humans or animals. Dung beetles are coprophagous insects, meaning they eat the excrement of other. They use this stronger jaw to fight off other males and get the best nesting site. ’ In order to devour their flesh from the inside, they burrow beneath their skins and consume it. The Scarab Beetle is an insect with an ancient history that stretches back to Ancient Egypt, and for centuries, these creatures have been a source of both fascination and fear. Well, not to worry - that's a movie myth and those particular insects that feed on human flesh aren't real. Devil’s Coach Horse. Instead, the structures are used for protection and competing for mating rights.