Pie-dish Beetle
Scientific Name: Helea scaphiformis
Size: TL 40mm
What does it look like?
The Pie-dish Beetle is black, oval shaped, with longitudinal ridges down centre of elytra, margins of body flattened to form a pie-dish shape. Larva yellow-brown elongated grub.
Where is it found?
Southern Australia.
What are its habitats & habits?
The Pie-dish Beetle typically occurs in dry forest and arid habitats. It shelters during the day and emerges at night to forage for plant matter. The larva burrows in soil and feeds on plant roots. Its distinctive body shape is thought to provide defence against predators such as scorpions and ground beetles.
This species features in my book A Naturalist’s Guide to the Insects of Australia
