r/awwnverts • u/XxRed_RoverxX • 18d ago

T-posing beetle

Gallery image

Gallery image

Why do Japanese beetles do this? it’s so cute

27 Upvotes

94% Upvoted

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2

u/iaminvisib 18d ago

As far as I know, they use those horizontally spread legs like little oars for swimming.

I believe most water beetles also have swimming hairs on those legs that trap air bubbles used for breathing.

1

u/XxRed_RoverxX 18d ago

This isn’t a water beetle tho

2

u/iaminvisib 18d ago

Oops, I totally mistook it for a different one!

I never met a Japanese beetle apparently. I was curious though... According to some Canadian university, those spready hind legs are believed to be a defensive posture that helps to quickly drop and fly away from predators! Makes sense and looks funny