Invasion of the little green men

[springwater]

Each year about this time the Angophora in the back yard produces masses of cream flowers which attracts lots of bees and a lot of buzz for about two weeks. This year there were some bees but I think the rest couldn't hack competing with these little creatures. I've seen a few of them before but this year there's been an infestation. Early this morning they were all over the flowers again but this arvo I guess it got too hot for them (about 40 C) and they all seeked shade where they could. Anyone know anything about them?

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[tea lady]

Aren't they stink bugs?

[NCArcher]

Appears to be Plague Soldier Beetle.
"Plague Soldier Beetles form huge swarms of mating beetles in late summer. They visit flowers and are thought to feed on nectar, pollen and soft-bodied invertebrates. Their lrvae live in the soil and eat soft-bodied invertebrates."

Biodiversity Snapshots | info

[springwater]

Aren't they stink bugs?

They don't stink now and I hope they're not planning too either

[tea lady]

They don't stink now and I hope they're not planning too either

I think they stink if you squish them.

[artme]

Rather attractive little beasties. Can see why they are called soldier beetles.

[springwater]

Thanks Artme a quick research tells me there's a plague of them going on.

Taken from: Insect of the week: The Plague Soldier Beetle isn’t nearly as bad as it sounds « News @ CSIRO

The bright colours of Chauliognathus are a warning to any predator thinking of taking a swipe at one, as they exude a white viscous fluid from their glands that repels any predators thinking of getting too close.

The soldier beetle also secretes the same chemical in a wax form to protect it’s eggs against infection.

Our researchers have recently found the genes that give the chemical its anti-microbial and anti-cancer properties, and were able to replicate the synthesis in the lab. This may one day lead to the development of new anti-biotic and anti-cancer related products.