DARKLING BEETLE

DARKLING BEETLE

Meracantha contracta
DARKLING BEETLE (Tenebrionidae)

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This is a flightless insect about ½ inch long. It is black with grooves running down the elytra.

 

This beetle is found in Eastern Forests at the base of tree trunks especially under clinging foliage or under bark on dead standing trees. This one was photographed at Neale Woods. Its overall occurrence at Fontenelle Nature Centers is not known.

 

Many members of this family release repulsive aromatic chemicals when threatened or handled.

 

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