orange+black patterned beetle for ID please

cicada · #1 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 01:48 PM

Hi, can anyone tell me what this colourful chap is please? Found on sand dunes in South Wales.
cheers
Zan

Dogghound · #2 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 02:01 PM

Corizus hyoscyami a type of bug not beetle

cicada · #3 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 03:16 PM

Thanks for that ... I'd never have tracked it down

Dogghound · #4 (**permalink**) 16-09-2009, 06:06 PM

Not a problem. This is a very distinctive species but none the less I really appreciate it when the location and habitat are given it makes life alot easier cheers.

Jason Claxton · #5 (**permalink**) 17-09-2009, 05:59 PM

Ah Corizus hyoscami,nicknamed the 'Clown face',if you look at it from the right direction.One of my favourite bugs.In 2006 and 2007 we started seeing corizus for the first time and in many different habitats for the first time in Southampton.We are not seeing many at the moment,Im not certain if their range expansion is continuing still.

cicada · #6 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 08:58 AM

Hi and thanks for all the info, it's nice to learn something new .. though I'm not sure what makes a them a beetle or bug .. is there a simple rule r is it something you need a microscope for ?!
cheers
Zan

Dogghound · #7 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 09:25 AM

Beetles have chewing jaws, bugs have a piercing needle (proboscis).

Beetles have two hardened wings covering (in most cases) the whole abdomen and wings. Bugs have shorter wing covers leaving the wings exposed at the base of the abdomen.

Beetles under go full metamorphosis i.e larvae pupa adult. Bugs go through several stages (instars) which involves nymphs shedding skin and growing until they become adults. Incomplete metamorphosis.

cicada · #8 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 10:20 AM

I'll try to remember all that next time spot one

, and
thank you for the speedy entomology lesson !

tristanba · #9 (**permalink**) 18-09-2009, 06:31 PM

Corizius is a beautiful bug - have seen it many times on the Welsh coast, in the north and on the Gower. As Jason says this species did very well in 2006 and was reported inland much more frequently. Although this range expansion has not been sustained over the recent poorer summers I have seen it this year in Surrey and Oxfordshire.