Pleasing fungus beetle

Brachysphaenus

Pleasing fungus beetles are close relatives of ladybirds, with species showing a seemingly endless combination of bright colours, spots, stripes and other patterns. Their attractive colours are not there to please humans of course; rather the striking decoration advertises a sophisticated chemical defence system to predators.

Collector: Darren Mann
Bolivia, 2003

This specimen was collected by Darren Mann, an entomologist in the Museum’s Life Collections team, on a trip to Bolivia to study the diversity and abundance of beetles. Museums today are centres of specialised knowledge, collecting, and research. Yet it wasn’t until the 19th century that disciplines such as entomology developed from their roots as amateur pastimes into dedicated, professionalised sciences.