So we made it safely down to Nottingham (a long drive), but while I am enjoying ear scritches from our lovely friend Janet, Gail wants me to post a wee Nature Friday action video, shot in the garden in Torridon last weekend.
Did you know that these wee orange and black characters are Common Sexton Beetles? So called 'cos they locate dead and decaying animals (like the slow worm in the video) and take the corpses somewhere to bury, then they feed and breed on them.
Eeurgh!
If you really want to, you can read more about these beetle here.
Happy Nature Friday friends!
aaah we think that is the guy from beetlejuice movie, right?
ReplyDeleteWe'll stick with the ear scritches, thank you Nobby!
ReplyDeleteLove,
Paca xx
Hari Om
ReplyDeleteWell Nobby, I appreciate the video and info on this busy wee critter. What a great thing to have spotted. Meanwhile, enjoy those scritchies! Hugs and wags YAM-aunty xxx
ICK! Did we ever tell you how gorgeous your blog header picture was, Nobby!
ReplyDeleteCute photo of you cuddling your mom a bit. We can't look at snakes, it makes mom terrified. She has nightmares if she sees one. We skipped by and went to the beetle. That is better to look at for us.
ReplyDeleteLooks like they are tough wee critturs that do a good job of ensuring we aren't knee deep in corpses. Enjoy Nottingham Nobby (have you had to change your accent so that they understand you?)
ReplyDeleteyet another thing I had never seen or heard. so tiny to move something so much bigger. I call vultures/buzzards/crows/gulls God's Garbage Guys, now I can add Sextons beetles to that list.. wow.
ReplyDeleteGood Googly Gook Nobby those Sexton Beetles are nearly as large as a VW Beetle. AND STRONG. Yikes
ReplyDeleteWhat a wonderfully informative NF.
Glad you and Gail had an uneventfuly trip to Nottingham
Hugs Cecilia
BOL BOL I love the origin of their name
ReplyDeleteSexton beetles get their name from the sexton of the church whose duty it was to look after the graveyard - a fitting name given their love of corpses!
Whoah...those are some strong and, ummmm...pretty gross little beetles!
ReplyDeleteStill pretty cool though!
xoxo,
Rosy & Sunny
Pee Ess...Have fun in Nottingham!
Nature's refuse collectors - someone has to do it!
ReplyDeleteThose are cool looking beetles and do a good job helping clean up the garden for you.
ReplyDeleteWe first thought we were looking at a snake!!! Busy little beetles and strong too.
ReplyDeleteWoos - Misty and Timber
Was the walk in prehistoric times?
ReplyDeleteBlah!! LOL! They are the cleaner-uppers of the natural world!
ReplyDeleteHope you are having a great time in your vacation.
Always good to see you Nobby ~ hugs and fun video ~
ReplyDeleteWishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)