# Black pine jewel beetle flies 130 km to detect forest fires 2026-08-07T17:13:13+00:00 | World & Diplomacy | Indian Opinion Desk Corroboration: 1 independent outlet The black pine jewel beetle, Melanophila acuminata, can detect wildfires from up to 130 km away, according to a study in Frontiers. Unlike most animals, it flies towards heat and smoke because its larvae only develop in freshly burnt wood. The beetle uses smoke receptors on its antennae and infrared organs on its midsection to locate fires. Early lab tests suggested a range of only 12 km. Researchers propose that the beetles vibrate their heat sensors using flight muscle energy, a process called 'active amplification', to pick up weak signals. Their infrared organs are modified mechanoreceptors near the wing hinges, allowing them to compare heat from both sides and steer towards a blaze. ## Coverage - timesofindia.indiatimes.com Tags: biomimicry, insects, Melanophila acuminata, sensors, wildfires Canonical: https://indianopinion.org/black-pine-jewel-beetle-flies-130-km-to-detect-forest-fires/ License: Summary and commentary (c) Indian Opinion, reusable with attribution. Facts belong to the linked sources. Cite: https://indianopinion.org/black-pine-jewel-beetle-flies-130-km-to-detect-forest-fires/#story-in-brief Review state: restored archive article, accurate at time of publication, not offered to search indexes.