Prionotheca coronata coronata, commonly known as the Urchin Beetle or Radiant Sun Beetle, is a long-lived species of darkling beetle (family Tenebrionidae) native to arid and desert regions of North Africa and the Middle East. 
 
Key Characteristics
Appearance: A medium-to-large beetle (30–40 mm) with a distinctive "thorny" look due to sharp, prominent spines lining its abdominal margins and hind legs.
Behaviour: Primarily nocturnal, they spend their days burrowed in sandy soil or inhabiting reptile burrows. When threatened, they adopt a defensive posture by lowering their head and raising their spiny posterior to pinch potential predators.
Lifespan: Unusually long-lived for beetles, with adults potentially living for 3 to 7 years.
Cultural Significance: In Ancient Egypt, they were worshipped as symbols of divinity; preserved specimens have been found in tombs dating back over 4,000 years. 
 
Distribution and Habitat
The species is widespread across the Sahara and Arabian deserts, including Algeria, Morocco, Egypt, Israel, Jordan, and the United Arab Emirates. They thrive in hot, dry environments with deep sand for burrowing. 
 
Captivity and Care
They have become increasingly popular in the invertebrate hobby due to their hardiness and active nature. 
Diet: Omnivorous scavengers that feed on seeds, vegetables, leafy greens, and occasionally protein sources like dried dog biscuits or dead insects.
Environment: Requires warm temperatures (24–28°C) and deep sand substrate (approx. 20cm) to facilitate natural burrowing behaviour.