Red-striped Oil Beetle

Very striking and noticeable, Red-striped Oil Beetles, or Blister Beetles as they are also known, are large beetles that can reach a length of around 6 cm. The basic ground colour is black and each body segment has a red or orange stripe crossing it. The legs are positioned towards the front of the beetle’s body, leaving the rest of its bulk unsupported, which means the cylindrical abdomen has to be dragged across the ground. Although there are tiny elytra on the thorax, the beetles are unable to fly.