Orange Net-winged Beetle, Zimbabwe.

The camera reveals the complex surface of the wing cases: long thickened ridges, a crossways net-like pattern and two spikes, all overlain by a layer of extremely fine hairs.

Lycid beetles produce potent defensive chemicals to deter attacks by predators, advertising this with distinctive orange and black warning colours. A wide range of harmless insects including other beetles, wasps, flies and moths employ a strategy of false advertising, mimicking the shape and colour of lycids to gain protection.