Pterohelaeus is a genus of beetles that is endemic to Australia, and extremely similar to the genus Helea, and are named Pie-dish Beetles due to their general shape, and their wide body flanges (the rims of the "pie-dish") which are around the exterior of their whole body. Helea are almost always black, and always flightless, whereas Pterohelaeus are most commonly a dusty blue (as in my picture!) and are sometimes capable of flight.
They forage on the ground during the night, and are surprisingly quick due to their legs. Some species shelter in mammal burrows, such as those of rabbits and wombats. Some winged Pterohelaus live under the loose bark of Eucalyptus trees. Others shelter under debris such as wood, leaf litter, or, like my Pterohelaeus are found under stones.
Entomologists hypothesise that the shape of Pterohelaeus, with the flattened body and extended flanges is an evolutionary adaptation for living underneath bark. Modern evolutions are even flatter with even more extended flanges, which might deter predators, and/or help collect water.
They are found across Australia, excluding the rainy areas of the Northern Territory and Queensland, and excluding the whole of Tasmania. They prefer arid environments, and as such are mostly found in Western Australia, but some species are found in Victoria, New South Wales, and the ACT!
Their diet is similar to that of Armadillidium Vulgare, they eat decaying vegetation. They get water from the vegetation they eat, from animal poop, and from collecting it on their flanges
The flanges are a defense mechanism. They are large to block predators from the face and legs, the delicate areas. Pterohelaus can even bury themselves in sand, only exposing their tough upper shield, making them almost completely safe from harm.