Amazonian Purple Warrior Scarab, Peru.

This large and impressive scarab beetle is found widely across the Amazon Basin. This species is particularly active at dusk when the contrast in colour between the black horn and the blue body is enhanced and helps individuals to recognise others of the same species.

Although belonging to a group of scarab beetles which mainly consume dung this and related species have switched to feeding on dead animals. The toothed, blade-like area at the front of the head and the serrated front legs are thought to help in breaking up tough carrion.