We're in central Ohio and this was taken Wednesday evening. This beetle is about 3/4" - 1" inch long from head to the end of its wing covers. The pointy abdomen adds about another 1/4" to the total length. I am not used to seeing beetles with pointy hind ends. What is this critter? Is it even a beetle? I have my doubts!
This message was edited Jul 11, 2008 10:52 PM
I think it's a Carrion Beetle, Necrophila americana
http://bugguide.net/node/view/6744
They do look a lot like roaches, but the antennae give them away
Nice work, Claypa!
Mmmm-mmmm good...."Adults consume fly larvae (maggots) at carrion, as well as some carrion."
So maybe the airlines should use them to reduce luggage size? Oh, wait, that's carry-on. ;)
Thanks - I will mark this one solved!
Maybe that's why the airlines treat us like "what flies eat"...
I don't know, but I'd guess your beetle is pregnant. Maybe suunto can tell us what's up with its abdomen extended like that...?
YW - Mike
From what I've observed, I believe that this 'pose' is fairly natural. These beetles have a very flexible abdomen, and their wing covers, particularly in females, usually are shorter than than the abdomen. However, if they are sufficiently mishandled, they may exude a foul-smelling liquid from their extended abdomen, probably as a defensive measure.
Interesting to know -- thank you!
I remember finding a dead squirrel in my garden in Maine, maybe one of my cats had killed it. It was swarming with these beetles and the next day it was totally gone! They moved really quickly so I'm impressed you got such a good photo!
Yes, it did move at a pretty fast clip. I put the camera on action mode and held the shutter button down to get one good shot!
