Armored beetle

Armored beetles live along warm woodland edges and steppe gullies. Six gripping legs support a heavy segmented body; hard wing cases protect the back. Larvae recycle decaying wood, while adults gather fallen fruit and plant matter.

Source-altered individuals can grow much larger than ordinary insects. A threatened beetle braces against the ground and pushes with its head. Farmers seal stores without destroying every habitat: recycling animals help sustain the soil.