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Tumaren

Ecology and Conservation Observations in Laikipia, Kenya

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Insect Identification Help

Category: Insects | Date: Jan 24 2008 | By: tumaren

Parm, one of our rangers pointed out the following larvae the other day while we were walking across a large plain together. the larvae at that time was not exposed and the only indication of his presence was a simple non descript hole. parm said in swahili “watch”. He cut a piece of grass, chewed the tip a bit and then wiggled the end near the entrance to the hole. The larvae attached, pinched the grass and with a smooth motion parm removed him from his hole where i photographed him before returning him to his home.
I reckon this must be some kind of beetle larvae. I have never seen tiger beetles here and he is far too big but he does resemble their larvae. Anyway he is very predatory and I wouldn’t be surprised if he was one of the large nocturnal ground beetles that prowl the savanna in search of prey. ideas welcome.

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6 Responses to “Insect Identification Help”

F. J. PECHIR, on 24 Jan 2008

Hi James! Do you know if this larvae has a scissor like or “horns” like mandibulae? if it has legs only in his anterior part of the body, and which colour is it? Certainly a photo or drawing will help. You are right, tiger beetles are not common in that area, beeing some parts of Europe and Middle East their main territory, but some species are present in low numbers in Africa.

James Christian, on 25 Jan 2008

Evidently we have about 500 different tiger beetles in east africa. mostly i encounter them in sand dunes or on dry river beds. i forgot though to include the picture . i will go back edit the post to include it now. thanks FJ

F. J. PECHIR, on 25 Jan 2008

Well, it seems like a tiger beetle larvae, but I will try to seek more about the specific sp. in the next days. Thank you James!

F. J. PECHIR, on 25 Jan 2008

James, the head of the larvea appears to has been separated from the body and seems in a up-side-down position with respect to the rest of the body, is that correct?

John, on 01 Aug 2008

I think we have found a tiger beetle grub/larvae in south england, is that possible

jerry, on 23 Aug 2008

im not sure if this will help any but when i lived in Tennessee USA when i was 13 or so we caught some of these
didnot know what they were called but we called them camel worms cause of the hump on their backs

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