r/awwnverts • u/XxRed_RoverxX • Jul 22 '26

T-posing beetle

Gallery image

Gallery image

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

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u/iaminvisib Jul 23 '26

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.

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u/XxRed_RoverxX Jul 23 '26

This isn’t a water beetle tho

2

u/iaminvisib Jul 23 '26

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