#Metallic shimmering colors in insects. Please watch my latest YouTube video and give it a like: https://youtu.be/QPO5ftCGeOw?is=WvherEq6AnRD8x2j
The beetle #Mimela #junii, originally from the Mediterranean region and now also native to #CentralEurope, shows magnificent #metalliccolors. They i.a. indeed provide camouflage. The coloration is not caused by complex #cuticle #microstructures reflecting light differently.
©#StefanFWirth Berlin 2026

Please support my educational and scientific work https://ko-fi.com/sfwirth

Please also like my newest #YouTube #video, showing some #behaviors of the #beetle #Mimela #junii (#Scarabaeidae), which is a #neozoon in #CentralEurope and Germany. It originally is #native to the #Mediterranean region. My video shows #selfcleaning behavior, #locomotion, #flying ssprcts and response to threat (#thanatosis).
©#StefanFWirth 2026

I depend on your kind support for my work
https://ko-fi.com/sfwirth

YouTube video:
https://youtu.be/QPO5ftCGeOw?is=LFM-YitbLSwXsk5n

Photos
©S. F. Wirth, based on my video frames

Last evening in #Berlin, I found a #beetle on my bicycle, a #scarab, which I thought is #nonnative. Rightly so, as #Mimela #junii is a #neozoan in Central Europe, native mainly to southern France/north Italy,. Adults feed on leaves, larvae on roots/decaying material in sandy soil. Thomaes, A. et al. (2022) demonstrate, using Belgium, that it's spread to Central/WesternEurope was likely due to #humantransport. #globalwarming.
© #StefanFWirth 2025

Ref
https://pureportal.inbo.be/files/81797098/Bull_158_T1_2022_THOMAES_SCHEERS_VAN_KEER.pdf

Photos
© S. F. Wirth

junii - ultimatum
https://open.spotify.com/track/5Szj7IYcWVCpOlk8QkWpIY

New track on our Spotify playlist:
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/2VcOkY7S1DsoTjPNm7yXEn?si=Cl0DDLywTfG-cErQSZ9fVg

#junii #usa #spotify #np