Phloeodes diabolicus

Common card · No. 239290

The diabolical ironclad beetle (Phloeodes diabolicus), formerly classified as Nosoderma diabolicum, is a beetle in the Phloeodes genus. It is native to the California floristic province of California and Baja California, where it is believed to eat fungi growing under rotting tree bark. It is flightless and has a remarkable adult lifespan of eight years, compared to the weeks or months of most adult beetles. This beetle is noted for its durability. Its thick, densely layered, interlocking elytra, connected to the ventral cuticle by complex lateral support structures, are able to support a maximum force of 149 newtons, or over 15 kilograms or 33.069 lbs.

Read on Wikipedia · Image Jesse Rorabaugh, CC0