This is a black beetle about ½ to 1 inch long. The elytra are small and overlap at the base. This beetle was identified by experts at Bugguide.net. Photo A is a male with bent antenna, photo B is a pair and photo C is a female.
These beetles are found on the ground or in low foliage. The overall occurrence of this beetle at Fontenelle Nature Center is not known.
Beetles in this genus are known as oil beetles because they release oily droplets of hemolymph from their joints when disturbed. This contains cantharadin, a poisonous chemical causing blistering of the skin and painful swelling. Members of this genus are typically flightless, without functional wings, and have shortened elytra. larva live in bee nests and feed on bee eggs and stored food.
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