by Quinn Ryszka

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A flash of black with orange siding inches its way across the forest floor in Malaysia. An unusual sight that is almost instantly recognizable to anyone fortunate enough to have learned of this strange creature. However, it is also a new sight for many. Being initially discovered only 200 years ago, having its male counterpart discovered close to 100 years ago, and research into its diet still ongoing, the Trilobite Beetle was hiding right under our noses for around 47 million years. Believed to be a detrivore, this beetle may be part of one of the most exciting categories of insects. The bugs that rely on this unusual diet of decomposing organic matter may be small, but their impact is large. With only 35 species of insects classified as detritivores, these helpful critters get to work and take up one of the most important roles in our ecosystem: decomposition!