Discovery goes live

The Discovery Centre has a temporary live exhibit – Egyptian Beetles!

Egyptian Beetles, or Blaps polychresta, are native to Egypt and Syria. Historical evidence from the era of the great pyramids’ construction indicates that they were eaten by women keen to make themselves plump, as was the fashion at the time.

First discovered in Australia in 1930, it is believed that these beetles hitched a lift on European clipper ships, sneaking aboard while grain was loaded for export. With no shortage of food in the shape of mouse and rat droppings, their survival on the long sea journey was assured.

After none were seen for 26 years, Egyptian Beetles were thought to be extinct in Australia. Reappearing in 1956, they are now common in parts of South Australia, and populations have also been found in north-western Victoria.

Despite their preference for eating rodent faeces and the ability to eject a defensive toxic substance up to 30cm from their rears, we’re pleased to have them here. Live Exhibits staff have even built them their very own pyramid, to help them feel more at home.

The Egyptian Beetles are just part of the Discovery Centre’s Egypt display, developed to accompany the Mummies: Ancient Egypt and the Afterlife exhibition. When you visit, be sure to check out another highlight; a fragment of painted cartonnage (plastered layers of fibre) from a 2,500 year old wooden coffin.

The Discovery Centre (formerly InfoZone) at Melbourne Museum is open seven days a week, from 10am to 4:30pm.

Comments (8) popular  |  oldest  |  newest

Discovery Centre 05 Nov 2009 10:52

Hi Gaill. Thanks for your question. We'll refer your question to our live exhibits people and get back to you.

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Discovery Centre 06 Nov 2009 10:44

Hi Gail - The Live Exhibits Unit here at Melbourne Museum has kept these beetles for a number of years now, and although they apparently have the ability to squirt a toxic spray, they have never witnessed it happen. Museum staff work with Egyptian Beetles without gloves, but do so carefully. Our recommendation would be that you wear gloves if you are concerned about the beetle to begin with, and review the need for gloves after keeping the beetle for a while, and becoming familiar with its behavior. The major concern with the toxic spray is the potential for it to get into your eyes, so care must be taken not to put your face into a position where this could occur, and avoid rubbing your eyes whilst interacting with the beetle.

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Discovery Centre 30 Apr 2011 16:03

Michelle

 

This species is very difficult to sex, the main difference being size. However, sometimes the size variation of the males overlaps with some females, so telling them apart can be tricky. The other key is that the beetle on top during mating is always the male. Other than that there are no obvious external differences.

They are an introduced beetle but found only in South Australia, where they feed on mice droppings and similar food.

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