Welcome to another Friday 5! My state is one of the best places in the country to collect insects and people are known to come from all over the world to improve their insect collections here. I have some AMAZING insects in my collection, ones that are widely known to be among the most beautiful or most spectacular of all insects. These are my 5 favorite Arizona beetle species:
This beetle is amazing due largely to its size and its fierce demeanor. These things are huge, about 3 inches long, and are among the biggest beetles in the country. They’re so big, in fact, that they don’t fly well at all. I find the majority of these beetles by sound when I hear them crashing into walls, fences, bushes, etc! See those big mouthparts in the front? These beetles will use them to fight with other palo verde beetles – and they’re not above waving both those and the spikes on the thorax about to intimidate you. You probably don’t want to be unfortunate enough to let one get a hold of your fingers either. Still, I adore these! They’re impressive beetles and they’ve always been one of my favorites. I’ll write a whole post about these eventually.
This is my favorite aquatic beetle! It’s not the biggest (they’re about half an inch long) and it’s not the most unique as far as behavior or habitat goes. It’s certainly not the most uncommon as it’s all over southern Arizona in abundance. However, I think this beetle is gorgeous. They’re predaceous diving beetles (family Dytiscidae), so they are phenomenal swimmers. If you haven’t seen one of these gliding through the water… well, you’re missing out! And, these beetles have the ability to float nearly motionless in the middle of the water column, which most aquatic insects are unable to do. Between their curvaceous shape, their stunning looks, and their serene movements, this one easily makes my list of the 5 most amazing Arizona beetles.
Quick aside: I love these beetles so much that I planned to have them swimming in bowls of water at my wedding. People use goldfish in bowls at weddings all the time, so why not sunburst beetles? They have a lovely calming and elegant appearance that is just right for a casual, outdoor, spring wedding by a lake. I was quite pleased with myself for coming up with something so creative, yet so appropriate for my wedding and personality. However, two close relatives (the kind I couldn’t have a wedding without) were vehemently opposed to having live insects near them at the wedding and threatened not to come if I went through with it. So, I didn’t have any sunburst beetles at my wedding. You’d think the relatives of entomologists would be a little more tolerant of insects. Sigh…
These beetles are stunning! Metallic blues and greens, big, and surprisingly hard to find among the trees they like to sit ins. Honestly, I don’t know much about these beetles beyond knowing where I collected the 2 in my personal collection and knowing that they’re click beetles so they have the normal click beetle associated behaviors. I’ve had a hard time finding information about them and they don’t appear to even have a common name! But the joy you feel upon coming across one of these in southern Arizona is indescribable. For that reason, they make my top 5 list.
Like the palo verde beetles, these rank among the biggest beetles in the United States. This particular species is one of three found in North America and it’s only found in the 4 Corners states and northern Mexico. It’s reasonably common in Arizona and is often collected at blacklights around the state. As with most insects that have those super long horns, the males of these species get into some pretty intense battles over females. The winner scores the gal! Now that I think of it, I actually don’t have a single Dynastes granti in my collection… I need to fix that sometime!
This beetle’s name says it all: the glorious scarab. Chrysina gloriosa (also commonly known by its former name Plusiotis gloriosa) is quite glorious! It’s bright, apple green with metallic bronze highlights and thick metallic silver stripes down the elytra. This is one of the most beautiful beetles you could ever encounter and will simply take your breath away if you are lucky enough to see a live one. However, this beauty comes with a cost. Because they are so exquisite, these are highly prized beetles. When collectors find them, a strange hoarding mentality often overcomes them. There’s a suspicion among some entomologists in my area that this is going to eventually lead to significant declines in the populations of these beetles. They may be collected to near extinction in time! Many of the collectors in my state have one or two of these beetles in their collections and leave the rest alone to help conserve these beetles for future generations.
I’ll finish up with one quick note about the of this beetle. I recently came across John Abbott’s photography online and found the above in his beetles gallery. The man is amazing! His photographs will leave you speechless. I encourage you to check them out.
Arizona is home to over 400 species of beetles. These insects are found throughout the state in forests, deserts, gardens and backyards. While some species are considered pests many beetles play important roles in ecosystems by breaking down organic matter, pollinating plants, and preying on pest insects.
If you’ve spotted an unusual beetle in Arizona and want to identify it, this article will help. Below are 31 of the most common beetles found in the state along with tips on how to recognize them.
1. Blue Fungus Beetle
The blue fungus beetle (Cypherotylus californicus) is a round blue-black beetle covered in tiny dotted indentations. It grows up to 0.7 inches long and is found throughout Arizona feeding on fungi growing on rotting logs and stumps. The larvae develop in summer and adults are seen from spring to fall.
2. Convergent Lady Beetle
With its distinctive red body and black spots the convergent lady beetle (Hippodamia convergens) is one of Arizona’s most familiar beetles. It preys on soft-bodied insects like aphids and is a common visitor to gardens and agricultural areas. Key identifying features are the two white lines behind the head that converge at the back.
3. Figeater Beetle
Figeater beetles (Cotinis mutabilis) are large green and brown beetles that fly noisily around yards in summer. The larvae feed on roots and decaying matter while adults eat fruit, sap, and foliage. Males have long antennae that can detect pheromones released by females.
4. Giant Cactus Longhorn Beetle
One of Arizona’s largest beetles, the giant cactus longhorn (Moneilema gigas) can grow over 2 inches long. It is flightless and usually brown or black. The larvae bore into the stems of cacti, while adults feed on prickly pear and cholla.
5. Darkling Beetle
Several species of darkling beetles in Arizona are known as “pinacate beetles.” They are medium to large, round or oval, and dark grey to black. Many emit a foul odor when disturbed. They are found under rocks and bark feeding on detritus and fungi.
6. Palo Verde Root Borer
The palo verde root borer (Derobrachus hovorei) is among North America’s largest beetles, reaching lengths over 3.5 inches. The larvae feed underground on palo verde tree roots while adults live about a month, eating little. Tan to black with obvious wing cases, the adults are awkward fliers.
7. Western Red-bellied Tiger Beetle
Fast moving predators, tiger beetles chase down small insects on foot and fly in bursts of speed. The western red-bellied tiger beetle (Cicindela sedecimpunctata) has an orange-brown body and cream colored wing cases covered in small dark freckles. It frequents sandy lakeshores and streams.
8. Glorious Scarab
With vibrant metallic greens and silvers, the glorious scarab beetle (Chrysina gloriosa) is a true jewel of Arizona’s beetles. The larvae feed on decaying logs while adults eat juniper and oak leaves. The wing cases have lengthwise grooves.
9. Blister Beetles
Several species of blister beetles in Arizona display bright colors like reds, blacks, and yellows. They emit toxic cantharidin if threatened. Two common ones are the spotted blister beetle (Epicauta maculata) and striped blister beetle (E. vittata). Blister beetles damage gardens and feed on flowering plants.
10. Ironclad Beetle
Ironclad beetles (Zopheridae) are identified by their extremely hard, armor-like wing cases, an adaptation for living in arid climates. Several species are found in Arizona, including the Arizona ironclad beetle (Nosoderma verticillatum) which is reddish-brown and round.
11. Jewel Scarabs
There are several species of brightly colored, iridescent green jewel scarab beetles in Arizona. They have metallic sheens on their underwings. Two examples are Beyer’s jewel scarab (Chrysina beyeri) and LeConte’s jewel scarab (C. lecontei). Their larvae feed on rotting wood and adults eat foliage.
12. Rhinoceros Beetle
Among the most distinctive beetles in Arizona are the rhinoceros beetles, including the western rhinoceros beetle (Xyloryctes thestalus) and the aloeux ox beetle (Strategus aloeus). As their name suggests, males have horn-like structures they use in battles over mates. The larvae feed in rotting logs.
13. Ashy Gray Lady Beetle
While most lady beetles have vivid red wing covers, the ashy gray lady beetle (Olla v-nigrum) is ash gray with black dots and markings. It is still a beneficial predator of pests like aphids. This species, along with the convergent lady beetle, is among the most common lady beetles in Arizona.
14. June Beetles
Several brown, fuzzy “June bugs”are active in Arizona each summer. Among them are the figeater beetle (mentioned earlier), the ten-lined June beetle (Polyphylla decemlineata), and the goldsmith beetle (Cotalpa lanigera). Their larvae feed underground on roots while adults eat foliage and fruit.
15. Diving Beetles
Shiny oval insects with streamlined bodies, diving beetles swim underwater to catch small prey. They carry air bubbles to breathe. The southwest sunburst diving beetle (Thermonectus marmoratus) has striking yellow spots on its black wings. Most remain near streams, ponds, and lakes.
16. Net-winged Beetles
Two red and black net-winged beetles found in Arizona are the Arizona net-winged beetle (Lycus arizonensis) and the bloody net-winged beetle (Lycus sanguineus). They have soft wing covers with prominent veins that look like nets. Toxic chemicals in their blood discourage predators.
17. Soldier Beetles
Often brightly marked in reds, oranges, and blacks, soldier beetles have long, soft wing covers. They are found on flowers feeding on pollen and nectar. An example is Lewis’s soldier beetle (Chauliognathus lewisi). The larvae prey on insect pests.
18. Flower Longhorn Beetles
Longhorn beetles have very long antennae. Those in the genus Typocerus have black and yellow patterns and are common on flowers. For instance, Typocerus v. eugeniae feeds specifically on creosote bush blossoms. Their larvae bore into roots and wood.
19. Blister Beetles
Blister beetles (Meloidae) have narrow, cylindrical, soft bodies and broad heads. They can emit toxic chemicals, so are usually brightly colored as a warning. Watch for their large aggregations in spring and summer. Species in Arizona include the black blister beetle (Epicauta pennsylvanica) and striped blister beetle (E. vittata).
20. Darkling Beetles
Several species of large, nocturnal darkling beetles are found in Arizona, especially in the Sonoran Desert. They have very hard wing covers and cannot fly. If disturbed, they raise their abdomens and emit a foul-smelling chemical spray. Two common ones are Eleodes obscura and the armored stink beetle (Eleodes armata).
21. Rootworm Beetles
Rootworms (Diabrotica spp.) are small, elongated leaf beetles that feed on crops in the larval stage by damaging roots. As adults they eat leaves and flowers. The spotted cucumber beetle (D. undecimpunctata) has a yellow-green body with six large black spots on its wing covers.
22. Tiger Beetles
Ground beetles (Carabidae) are swift predators. The white-striped tiger beetle (Tetracha carolina) has a shiny dark brown body with two bold white stripes down each wing case. Their large eyes help them spot prey. Tiger beetle larvae live in burrows and catch passing insects.
23. Pine Sawyer Beetles
Pine sawyers (Monochamus spp.) are large, up to 1.5 inches long, and usually have white or yellow patterns on their dark brown wing covers. The larvae bore into dead pines while adults feed on pine needles. Watch for the Arizona pine sawyer (M. arizonicus) in mountain forests.
24. Carrion Beetles
The red and blue-black burying beetle (Nicrophorus orbicollis) feeds on small dead animals that it buries to use as food for its larvae. Other carrion beetles are similarly important decomposers, helping recycle nutrients back into the soil. Most are seen near carcasses and waste.
25. Ground Beetles
Ground beetles (family Carabidae) vary widely in shape and color but often have ridged wing cases. They prey on garden pests like slugs and cutworms. Search the soil surface at night to find species like the iridescent green caterpillar hunter (Calosoma scrutator).
26. Weevils
Many species of snout weevils (Curculionidae) are found across Arizona. They have a long head ending in a short snout. The black vine weevil (Otiorhynchus sulcatus) and strawberry root weevil (O. ovatus) feed on roots and leaves as adults and larvae.
27. Soft-bodied Flower Beetles
Flower longhorns (Lepturinae), soft-winged flower beetles (Malachiinae), and ant-like flower beetles (Anthicidae) all have flexible wing covers. They are commonly found on flowers and foliage eating pollen. Examples include the sandhill long-horned beetle (Typocerus deceptus) and the Texas ant-like flower beetle (Notoxus texanus).
28. Fireflies
While not as common as in eastern states, a few firefly (Lampyridae) species illuminate Arizona’s summer nights. They include the big dipper firefly (Photinus pyralis) and the pale-tailed firefly (Ellychnia corrusca). The larvae are predatory, feeding on snails and worms.
29. Metallic Wood-boring Beetles
Jewel beetles or metallic wood-boring beetles (Buprestidae) have iridescent, often green wing covers. Their larvae bore into dead trees and timber. Watch for the bronze buprestid (Chalcophora virginiensis) and the golden buprestid (Buprestis aurulenta).
30. Granary Weevils
Pantry pests, granary weevils (Sitophilus granarius) infest stored grains. The small, reddish-brown adults have long snouts and eat their way out, leaving round exit holes. The white larvae feed inside grains like rice, barley, and wheat. Proper food storage prevents infestations.
31. Carrot Beetles
Despite their name, carrot beetles (Bothynus gibbosus) feed on decaying matter in soil. Growing up to 1.5 inches long, they have a single curved horn on the thorax and brownish-black ridged wing covers. The larvae live underground for several years before emerging as adults. They are occasional nuisance invaders of homes.
This covers some of the most frequently encountered beetles in Arizona. There are many more species, filling diverse ecological roles in deserts, forests, fields, and backyards across the state. With their variety of shapes, sizes, and colors, beetles are fascinating insects to discover and identify.
Aquatic entomologist with a blogging habit
Welcome to another Friday 5! My state is one of the best places in the country to collect insects and people are known to come from all over the world to improve their insect collections here. I have some AMAZING insects in my collection, ones that are widely known to be among the most beautiful or most spectacular of all insects. These are my 5 favorite Arizona beetle species:
5. The palo verde beetle or palo verde root borer, Derobrachus hovorei:
This beetle is amazing due largely to its size and its fierce demeanor. These things are huge, about 3 inches long, and are among the biggest beetles in the country. They’re so big, in fact, that they don’t fly well at all. I find the majority of these beetles by sound when I hear them crashing into walls, fences, bushes, etc! See those big mouthparts in the front? These beetles will use them to fight with other palo verde beetles – and they’re not above waving both those and the spikes on the thorax about to intimidate you. You probably don’t want to be unfortunate enough to let one get a hold of your fingers either. Still, I adore these! They’re impressive beetles and they’ve always been one of my favorites. I’ll write a whole post about these eventually.
4. The sunburst beetle, Thermonectus marmoratus
This is my favorite aquatic beetle! It’s not the biggest (they’re about half an inch long) and it’s not the most unique as far as behavior or habitat goes. It’s certainly not the most uncommon as it’s all over southern Arizona in abundance. However, I think this beetle is gorgeous. They’re predaceous diving beetles (family Dytiscidae), so they are phenomenal swimmers. If you haven’t seen one of these gliding through the water… well, you’re missing out! And, these beetles have the ability to float nearly motionless in the middle of the water column, which most aquatic insects are unable to do. Between their curvaceous shape, their stunning looks, and their serene movements, this one easily makes my list of the 5 most amazing Arizona beetles.
Quick aside: I love these beetles so much that I planned to have them swimming in bowls of water at my wedding. People use goldfish in bowls at weddings all the time, so why not sunburst beetles? They have a lovely calming and elegant appearance that is just right for a casual, outdoor, spring wedding by a lake. I was quite pleased with myself for coming up with something so creative, yet so appropriate for my wedding and personality. However, two close relatives (the kind I couldn’t have a wedding without) were vehemently opposed to having live insects near them at the wedding and threatened not to come if I went through with it. So, I didn’t have any sunburst beetles at my wedding. You’d think the relatives of entomologists would be a little more tolerant of insects. Sigh…
These beetles are stunning! Metallic blues and greens, big, and surprisingly hard to find among the trees they like to sit ins. Honestly, I don’t know much about these beetles beyond knowing where I collected the 2 in my personal collection and knowing that they’re click beetles so they have the normal click beetle associated behaviors. I’ve had a hard time finding information about them and they don’t appear to even have a common name! But the joy you feel upon coming across one of these in southern Arizona is indescribable. For that reason, they make my top 5 list.
2. Grant’s Hercules beetle, Dynastes granti
Like the palo verde beetles, these rank among the biggest beetles in the United States. This particular species is one of three found in North America and it’s only found in the 4 Corners states and northern Mexico. It’s reasonably common in Arizona and is often collected at blacklights around the state. As with most insects that have those super long horns, the males of these species get into some pretty intense battles over females. The winner scores the gal! Now that I think of it, I actually don’t have a single Dynastes granti in my collection… I need to fix that sometime!
And finally, 1. Chrysina gloriosa, the glorious scarab
This beetle’s name says it all: the glorious scarab. Chrysina gloriosa (also commonly known by its former name Plusiotis gloriosa) is quite glorious! It’s bright, apple green with metallic bronze highlights and thick metallic silver stripes down the elytra. This is one of the most beautiful beetles you could ever encounter and will simply take your breath away if you are lucky enough to see a live one. However, this beauty comes with a cost. Because they are so exquisite, these are highly prized beetles. When collectors find them, a strange hoarding mentality often overcomes them. There’s a suspicion among some entomologists in my area that this is going to eventually lead to significant declines in the populations of these beetles. They may be collected to near extinction in time! Many of the collectors in my state have one or two of these beetles in their collections and leave the rest alone to help conserve these beetles for future generations.
I’ll finish up with one quick note about the of this beetle. I recently came across John Abbott’s photography online and found the above in his beetles gallery. The man is amazing! His photographs will leave you speechless. I encourage you to check them out.
Next week: 5 artists whose insect work I adore. Let’s get some cultural entomology on!
Unless otherwise stated, all text, s, and video are copyright © 2010 DragonflyWoman.wordpress.com
Beetles of Arizona Sky Island Adventures Ep 14
FAQ
What is the most common beetle in Arizona?
- Blister Beetle. Blister beetles live all over Arizona, named after the harmful effects they can cause to your skin on contact. …
- Carpet Beetle. Carpet beetles are part of the Dermestids family. …
- Click Beetle. …
- Dung Beetle. …
- Ground Beetle. …
- Lady Beetle. …
- Merchant Grain Beetle. …
- Weevil.
What are the big beetles in Arizona?
-
Appearance:Palo Verde beetles are large, shiny, dark brown or black beetles, with some reaching up to 3.5 inches in length, making them one of the largest beetle species in North America.
-
They spend their larval stage underground, feeding on the roots of Palo Verde trees and similar plants for 2-4 years before emerging as adults during the monsoon season to mate.
-
Adult beetles do not eat and rely on energy reserves to get around. They are attracted to bright lights and can be seen crawling around or even flying (though clumsily) during the monsoon season.
-
Harmless to Humans/Pets:Despite their intimidating appearance, Palo Verde beetles are not dangerous to humans or pets. They are neither poisonous nor venomous, and they prefer to avoid confrontation.
-
If you’re concerned about Palo Verde beetles around your home, you can try to deter them by turning off outdoor lights, maintaining healthy trees, and removing dead wood or debris.
-
Other Beetles:While Palo Verde beetles are the most prominent “big beetles” in Arizona, other beetles like fig beetles and carrion beetles can also be found in the state.
What are the beetles in Arizona summer?
Palo Verde Beetle
These black or brown beetles resemble large cockroaches and clumsily fly around Arizona every summer. They lay their eggs in the soil near plant life, allowing their larvae to feed on and damage the roots of shrubs, cacti, and Palo Verde trees.
What are the beetles in Arizona that look like cockroaches?
The Palo Verde beetle, one of the largest beetles in North America, is hard to miss with its shiny dark brown or black body and impressive 3-4 inch length. They’re roughly the size of your palm and look a bit like a giant cockroach.
Are there beetles in Arizona?
Arizona is home to several beetle species of different families like the longhorn, scarab, and leaf beetles found mainly around the Sonoran desert regions and even other parts of the state. One significant species is the giant palo verde root borer beetle as big the size of a human hand, often spotted flying around.
What are the most common insects in Arizona?
Beetles are another common insect in Arizona. There are different species of beetles that are found in Arizona. The most common is the Ant-like Longhorn beetle – Cryptophorus verrucosus. They are called ant-like beetles because they resemble ants in every way – the way they run and even their looks.
Are there scarab beetles in Arizona?
2. Kerns Flower Scarab Beetle The Kerns Flower Scarab Beetle is only found in central and south-central Arizona. It is a large scarab beetle with two white spots on the wing covers. Consequently, this makes it easy to distinguish from other types of beetles in Arizona.
What is a black vine beetle in Arizona?
The black vine weevil is one of the types of beetles in Arizona that is mostly native to the state. It’s a small, dark beetle with long antennae and a curved snout. These beetles are usually found on the leaves and stems of grapevines and related plants. What’s more?
What is the most common lady beetle in Arizona?
The Convergent Lady Beetle (Hippodamia convergens) is the most common lady beetle you will encounter in Arizona. They are a natural enemy of aphids and scales, along with other soft-bodied insects. They feed on pollen and nectar. They are found in various habitats including forests, agricultural fields, natural parks, and grasslands.
What is a tiger beetle in Arizona?
This species, one of the types of beetles in Arizona, has a long history of use as live bait for fishing. Moreso, this tiger beetle is identifiable by its unique metallic blue body with black stripes on the elytra that make it look festive, hence its name.