The mystery of the strange beetle larva revisited
Some time ago, I blogged about a strange beetle larva that I had found. It is clearly the larva of something - probably a beetle. However, I still have no idea what it is.
Interestingly enough, I have only found this critter in one place - close to one of the ponds near my office. I have never found one by my house or in any of the parks. Therefore, my suspicion is that - while obviously not aquatic - whatever this grows up into prefers to be near water.
From the front of the insect, it is clearly carnivorous. As frightening as it looks, it is harmless to humans. As this one tried to escape, I grabbed it lightly to place it on a leaf to photograph. It did not bite me and was very timid when placed on the leaf.
Here is a shot of the length of the insect.
Someday when I finally have some method to keep insects for photography, I would like to see one of these mature into whatever it may become. However, I may have some difficulty finding whatever it eats.
If anyone has any idea what this is, I would greatly appreciate it.
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Tags: beeltle, larva, macro, mystery, photograph, pond