This desert beetle runs to cool off

In the Namib Desert, the black beetle Onymacris plana employs a unique cooling strategy. After sprinting, its body temperature drops by about 1.5 degrees Celsius, even in intense sunlight. This cooling effect, crucial for survival, is aided by the beetle's flat, wide body and efficient running style. Lab simulations showed the beetles could cool by up to 13 degrees. This is likely the first known case of an animal running specifically to cool off, suggesting potential similar adaptations in other species.