Mupli Beetle

28 Oct 2024 13:41:16 pm

Tags : Mupli Beetle

Topic: Biodiversity

Why in the news?

With Mupli Beetle invasion in Kerala, insect-human conflicts are intensifying
Safe settlements, along with improved agricultural practices, waste management and land use are crucial for tackling the crisis

Source: Down To Earth

About Mupli Beetle:

Its scientific name is Luprops tristis.
It is a plant detritus eating darkling beetle found in parts of India.
The adult beetle is black and around 8 millimetres (0.31 in) long.
While it is usually harmless to humans, when squeezed or picked up, it produces a defensive phenolic secretion that causes skin burns.
It has a notorious reputation since it can make life difficult when large populations invade farm houses, as reported in some parts of southern India, especially the state of Kerala.
In Kerala, it is called Muplivandu or Kotteruma or Karivandu in Malayalam.
It goes through five larval instar stages and a pupal stage before the adult stage. The adult beetle is colored black.
There is very little sexual dimorphism, and males and females overlap in size.
After a month of active feeding in the adult form, it goes into a lengthy dormant period in a suitable undisturbed dark location in response to the first summer rains before emerging again to feed and reproduce.