Page 474 - Atlas of Creation Volume 2
P. 474
DEATHWATCH BEETLE
Age: 45 million years
Period: Eocene
Location: Baltic States, Russia
Like all other beetles, this deathwatch beetle preserved in amber that dates
back to the Eocene epoch (54 to 37 million years ago) possesses very interest-
ing characteristics. During their larval stage, deathwatch beetles store the nu-
trients they need as fat tissue and use them during their adult stage, not
taking on any further nutrients from the outside. These insects, which live in
wood, are able to digest cellulose with the help of bacteria and fungi in their
stomachs.
During the mating period, they knock on the tunnels they've dug in the wood,
producing a noise that can easily be heard by human beings. Deathwatch bee-
tles have had these fascinating characteristics for millions of years.
472 Atlas of Creation Vol. 2
