Other Beetles

Cedar beetles are in the family Rhipiceridae.They are large beetles and as larvae are parasites of cicada nymphs. Adults are active in September and October. They are found on tree trunks or foliage.Water scavenger beetles are in the family Hyrophilidae. Most hydrophilids have a keel-like spine running down the middle of their undersides. They swim by moving their legs alternately and surface with their head up using their short antennae to channel air to a bubble on their belly. They are not all aquatic nor are all scavengers. Some of these squeak by rubbing the abdomen against the wing covers. False blister beetles closely resemble the blister beetles. They are in the family Oedemeridae. The metallic wood borer beetles belong to the family Buprestidae. The larvae are plant feeders and most bore into wood causing damage. The adults are most active in full sunlight on trunks, limbs, leaves, and flowers. The adults are often brightly colored and are alert and move quickly. They are also known as jewel beetles because of their iridescent colors. Wedge shaped beetles in the family Ripiphoridae have a distinctive shape and are parasites of bees and wasps. Checkered beetles which are in the family Cleridae are mostly colorful, agile predators of other insects. Most are active in the daytime but a few come to lights at night. Hister or clown beetles (family Histeridae), are carnivorous and are usually found around carrion, fungi, or dung. They are shiny black, oval, and from 0.5 to 10 mm (0.02 to 0.4 inch) long.The hister beetle’s wing covers (elytra) are short, leaving the last two abdominal segments exposed. When disturbed, these beetles lie motionless, resembling tiny black seeds..The sap beetles (Nitidulidae) are small ovoid, usually dull-colored beetles, with knobbed antennae. Some have red or yellow spots or bands. They feed mainly on decaying vegetable matter, over-ripe fruit, and sap.

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