[NOTE: Clicking on any of these pictures brings you a closer look. Click on the enlargement to come back.]
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blister beetle Lytta magister Blister beetles are protected by a secretion called Cantharidin, which may blister tender skin. Most of these beetles announce this fact with their bright coloration. A few species may be injurious to crops, but most feed on native plants. About 80 species occur in Arizona. |
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long-jawed longhorn beetle Dendrobius mandibularis Males of this longhorn beetle (family, Cerambycidae) are easily distinguished by their extremely long antennae and oversized mandibles. They are seen at lower elevations before and during the summer rains and feed upon the ripe fruit of saguaro and prickly pear cactus. |
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silver twig weevil Ophryastes argentata The most numerous of any group of animals, weevils are distinguished by a long snout. Weevil larvae are legless grubs and feed inside seeds, stems or roots. The silver twig weevil can be commonly seen on creosote bush. Although this species doesn't, many weevils cause serious economic damage to crops and stored foods. |
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predacious diving beetle Eretes sticticus Predacious diving beetles are found in most freshwater habitats, where both the larvae and adults feed on other insects and even small vertebrates. The adult beetles breathe by means of an air bubble trapped beneath their wing covers. Periodically this air supply must be replenished by a trip to the surface. |
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ragweed leaf beetle Chrysomelidae Leaf beetle larvae and adults feed on foliage and flowers. This species can be found during the summer months on canyon ragweed. If you think the adult ragweed beetle is a beauty, take a look at its baby picture. |
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longhorn cactus beetle Moneilema gigas Unlike most longhorns, this species is flightless and can be seen on the ground searching for prickly-pear and cholla cactus upon which it feeds. The coloration and overall shape closely resembles the unpalatable Desert Stink Beetle. The white marking halfway up each antenna adds to the illusion by making them appear shorter. |
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desert stink beetle Eleodes sp. These beetles are flightless and feed mostly on low-growing desert plants and leaf litter. Known as Pinacate beetles (like the volcano), when disturbed they raise their abdomen and, if further aggravated, spray their assailant with a repulsive liquid produced by glands located at the tip of the beetle's abdomen. |