This is an extremely flattened beetle about 1/10 to 1/8th of an inch long. It is a shiny black in color and the abdomen is exposed at the rear like other beetles in this family. Unlike many other hister beetles this beetle’s head lacks pincers. It was identified with the help of experts at Bugguide.net.
This beetle was found under the bark of many of the fallen trees on the floodplain at Fontenelle Forest. We expect it to be fairly common as a result of the flood of 2011.
When disturbed it pulls in its head, legs and antenna. As mentioned previously hister beetles have proved useful during forensic investigations to help in time of death estimation. Also, certain species are used in the control of livestock pests that infest dung and to control houseflies.
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