lorenlimon's Identifications

Cossyphus hoffmanseggi is a Tenebrionid beetle with a very particular shape.

It is remarkably flat and the lateral extensions of the elytra look like an“armour”. Others prefer to regard it as an “entombed beetle”.

When the legs and head are retracted below the elytra, it is effectively shielded (a bit like “tortoise beetles” although they belong in another family).

Back in the 70s a researcher tried to explain this peculiar body shape as protective resemblance (to the winged seeds of certain trees). I am not very convinced about that, because such trees are not that frequent in the oak (Quercus ilex) forests of central Spain where I usually find these beetles.

They appear under stones, often near ant aggregations or ant nests…. I have wondered for years whether this “armour” is designed to penetrate in (and escape from) the ant nests without harm… Just my guess. Other insects are known to thrive inside ant nests as larvae and then escape the ant trap as adults… (and the armour of C. hoffmanseggi would sure serve to that purpose)… What do you think?

Bonus trivia: There seems to be some etymological connection between Cossyphus and Turdus merula, the 'blackbird', via the greek kossyphos. Quite interesting I think, given the life-after-death feeling this beetle conveys to many observers (…blackbird singing in the dead of night....)

References:

Cloudsley-Thompson, J.L. 1977.The genus Cossyphus (Coleoptera, Tenebrionidae): a striking instance of protective resemblance. Entomol Mon Mag May/Aug 1977 pub Sept 1978, 113 (1356-59) p. 151-152.

Francisco Español Coll . “Datos para el conocimiento de los tenebriónidos del Mediterráneo occidental XI : Los Cossyphus ibéricos”. Graellsia. 10 (1952), 19-27.