Large Pinacate Beetle
Eleodes obscurus
Observed in Rackensack Canyon, Maricopa Co., Arizona, USA. 26 October 2013. The photo was taken by Allan Ostling.
Sponsored Links:
Pinacate Beetles also are called Stink Bugs, mostly by people who do not know about beetles. If you were a predator about to bite the pinacate when it does its famous headstand you would get a face full of very repelling volatile material.
The adult beetles are frequently found walking rather calmly on the soil in and near sycamore woodlands and many other types of semi-arid habitats from British Columbia to Texas. They will feed on a variety of fallen leaves, flowers and fruits. The immature resembles a 'wire worm' and lives in the soil.
Tenebrionidae -- Darkling Beetle Family
More Information:
- Bugguide Iowa State University
- Encyclopedia of Life
- Wikipedia
- Google Images
- Google Scholar Literature Search