Carrion Beetle (Nicrophorus carolinensis)

Carrion Beetles feed on decaying organic matter, such as dead animals. They have the unique ability to help solve crimes...


from Wikipedia: They are a very important tool in determining a post mortem interval by collecting carrion beetle progeny from a body, and determining the developmental rate. Based on the number of instars present and what stage of development they are in, a time of death can be estimated. This is very useful in medicocriminal entomology, the emphasis on utilizing arthropods as evidence to aid in solving crimes.



Carrion Beetle (Nicrophorus carolinensis) in flight

Click Beetle / Eyed-Elater (family elateridae)

Interesting beetle with a curious adaption. When adult click beetles (Elateridae) are placed on their backs, they have the ability to flip themselves over, sometimes going several inches into the air. This is done when the beetle arches its body, then suddenly snaps a pointed projection on the bottom of its prothorax into a small groove on the mesothorax. The eyed click beetle has two spots on its pronotum that resemble eyes, which may frighten predators, especially when the beetle flips into the air...



Click Beetle / Eyed-Elater (family elateridae) flying at night.

Euphoria Beetle (euphoria fulgida)

More than once, I have been startled by these colorful beetles. They fly with a noisy clack of the wings that at first, mimics the buzz of an angry bumble bee...



euphoria beetle (euphoria fulgida) collecting nectar from a thistle flower


euphoria beetle (euphoria fulgida) in flight


euphoria beetle (euphoria fulgida)