Anchomenus dorsalis

Anchomenus dorsalis is a species of ground beetle in the subfamily Platyninae. It is found in Europe, North Africa, West and Central Asia.

Description

This beetle is bright green-blue and red-brown in color. The adults are 5.6–7.7 mm long, with females larger than males.

Biology

This beetle forms aggregations of several individuals, often with beetles of the genus Brachinus. When disturbed it releases a volatile that contains undecane. Its coloration may be aposematic mimicry of the similarly colored Brachinus beetles it lives with, which emit a much more powerful antipredator volatile mix.