Ants' guest beetle (Paussinae) - Stock-Fotografie

Extreme macro of a Paussinid beetle (1.0cm) from DR Congo. It has remarkably broad and club-shaped antenna without segmentation. These beetles live in association with ants. The ants lick aromatic secretions produced by glands in the hairy spots of the antenna (or other places on their body). Adults and larvae of these beetles feed on the brood of the ants. They leave the nest only for reproduction and males tend to be attracted to lights. When disturbed (catching it for example) they expel a caustic liquid that reacts with water and evaporates explosively. It produces noise (puff), damp and a stiff stink.