Beth’s Bug Blog — beetle

The oil beetle is a slow-moving bug with a fast-thinking survival strategy. With its toxic secretions and clever, bee-hijacking larvae, it’s an insect that thrives on both defense and deception.

Ever heard of a bug that looks like it time-traveled from the Jurassic era? Meet Platerodrilus, aka the trilobite beetle, a bizarre insect found in Southeast Asia’s rainforests. While the males look like typical beetles, the females steal the show with their flat, segmented bodies that resemble ancient trilobites.

Bringing a fresh Christmas tree home can sometimes mean inviting tiny, harmless bugs like aphids, spider mites, or even spiders along for the ride. To keep your tree festive and pest-free, give it a good shake, inspect for critters, and vacuum up any strays. With a few simple precautions, you can enjoy your tree and its natural charm—minus the unexpected guests!