Unless stated otherwise, all taxonomic categories on this page were checked for validity against the contents of the Integrated Taxonomic Information System .

Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, i.e., they experience a pupa stage during which their anatomical structure changes dramatically.

Beetles have "sheathed" wings: their forewings have become protective shells, called "elytra," for their membranous hind wings, which actually do the flying. This is only one of fourteen identifying characteristics of beetles, but one of the two earliest characteristics to appear: beetles have had elytra for the past 285 million years. Their hind wings, made of membrane and which are folded up under the elytra, are a later development (245 million years ago), at least for the 90% of beetle species in the suborder Polyphaga ( Grimaldi & Engel, 2005, p. 361 ). Their hind wings are much bigger than their elytra forewings, sometimes sticking out from under these covers when flying beetles land. Do they have trouble folding up their big hind wings? Some Soldier Beetles do, apparently!

Beetles are the largest insect order; over 350,000 species of beetles have been documented. This means that about a third of all known animal species are beetle species. A very large proportion of them, in turn, are "leaf beetles," those in the Chrysomeloidea superfamily, and a very large proportion of those are in the Chrysomelidae family.

Choose a beetle family or lower taxon: Ladybug Beetles (Coccinellidae) ---Coccinellinae Subfamily Ladybug Beetles --- ---Multi-colored Ladybug Beetles (Harmonia Axyridis) --- ---Seven-spotted Ladybug Beetles (Coccinella septempunctata) --- ---Spotted Ladybug Beetles (Coleomegilla maculata) --- ---Cycloneda genus Ladybug Beetles --- ---Mulsantina genus Ladybug Beetles ---Coccidulinae Subfamily --- ---Vedalia Beetles ---Scymninae subfamily --- ---Scymnini tribe --- --- ---Scymnus rubricaudus ---Chilocorinae subfamily --- ---Chilocorus genus Handsome Fungus Beetles (Endomychidae) Pleasing Fungus Beetles (Erotylidae) ---Ischyrus quadripunctatus ---Languria mozardi Leaf Rolling Weevils (Attelabidae) ---Attelabidus bipustulatus Snout Beetles (Curculionidae) ---Curculioninae subfamily --- ---Ash seed weevil (Lignyodes fraxini) --- ---Nut/acorn weevil (Curculio proboscideus) --- ---Yellow poplar weevil (Odontopus calceatus) ---Baridinae subfamily --- ---Barinus curticollis ---Dryophthorinae subfamily --- ---Billbug (Splenophorus genus) ---Entiminae subfamily --- ---Broad-nosed weevil (Naupactus genus) ---Lixinae subfamily --- ---Rhubarb Curculio (Lixus concavus) Primitive or Straight-snouted Weevils (Brentidae) ---Hollyhock Weevil (Apion longirostre) ---Oak Timberworm (Arrhenodes minuta) Fungus Weevils (Anthribidae) ---Euparius marmoreus (tribe Cratoparini, subfamily Anthribinae) Soft-winged Flower Beetles (Melyridae) ---Collops genus Checkered Beetles (Cleridae) ---Enoclerus ichneumoneus ---Enoclerus rosmarus Leaf Beetles (Chrysomelidae) ---Legume Weevils (Bruchinae subfamily) --- ---Redbud Weevil (Gibbobruchus mimus) ---Aquatic Leaf Beetles (Donaciinae subfamily) ---Tortoise Beetles (Cassidinae subfamily) --- ---Golden Tortoise Beetles (Cassidinae subfamily) --- ---Mottled Tortoise Beetles (Cassidinae subfamily) --- ---Palmetto Beetles (Cassidinae subfamily) ---Leaf-mining Beetles (Hispinae subfamily) ---Skeletonizing Beetles (Galerucinae subfamily) --- ---Flea Beetles (Alticini tribe) --- --- ---Disonycha genus --- --- ---Trirhabda genus --- --- ---Crepidodera genus --- --- ---Capraita genus --- ---Luperini tribe --- --- ---Spotted Cucumber Beetles (Diabrotica genus) --- ---Bean Leaf Beetles (Cerotoma genus) --- ---Ophraella genus --- --- ---Ophraella conferta --- --- ---Ophraella communa ---Broad-bodied Leaf Beetles (Chrysomelinae subfamily) --- ---Leptinotarsa genus --- ---Trachymela genus --- ---Calligrapha genus --- ---Zygogramma genus --- ---Swamp Milkweed Beetles (Labidomera clivicollis) --- ---Microtheca genus --- ---Prasocuris genus --- ---Chrysomela genus --- ---Calligrapha genus ---Case-bearing Beetles (Cryptocephalinae subfamily) --- ---Chlamisini tribe --- --- ---Warty Leaf Beetles (Neochlamisus genus) --- ---Clytrini tribe Leaf Beetles --- --- ---Cylindrical Leaf Beetles (Babia quadriguttata) --- --- ---Clay-colored Leaf Beetles (Anomoea laticlavia) --- ---Cryptocephalini tribe Leaf Beetles --- --- ---Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle (Cryptocephalus guttulatus) --- --- ---Cryptocephalus quadriplex --- --- ---Bassareus detritus --- --- ---Pachybrachis nigricornis ---Shining Leaf Beetles (Criocerinae subfamily) --- ---Lema solani --- ---Neolema sexpunctata Longhorned Beetles (Cerambycidae) ---Lepturinae subfamily --- ---Typocerus genus --- ---Strangalia sexnotata ---Cerambycinae subfamily --- ---Locust Borer (Megacyllene robiniae) --- ---Ancylocera bicolor --- ---Phymatodes amoena --- ---Rustic Borer (Xylotrechus colonus) ---Lamiinae subfamily --- ---Flat-faced Longhorn Beetle (Aegomorphus quadribbus) --- ---Sumac Stem Borer (Oberea ocellata) --- ---(Hemierana marginata ardens) --- ---(Cyrtinus pygmaeus) ---Prioninae subfamily Tumbling Flower Beetles (Mordellidae) Wedge-shaped Beetles (Ripiphoridae) Blister Beetles (Meloidae) False Blister Beetles (Oenemeridae) Darkling Beetles (Tenebrionidae) Carpet Beetles (Dermestidae) ---Varied Carpet Beetles (Anthrenus verbasci, tribe Anthrenini, subfamily Anthreninae) Bess Beetles (Passalidae) Scarab Beetles (Scarabaeidae) ---Tumblebugs (Scarabaeinae subfamily) --- ---Dung Beetles (Scarabaeinae subfamily) --- ---Shining Leaf Chafers (Rutelinae subfamily) --- --- ---Grapevine Beetles (Pelidnota punctata) --- --- ---Goldsmith Beetles (Cotalpha lanigera) --- --- ---Rose Chafer Beetles (Macrodactylus subspinosus) --- --- ---Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica) --- ---Rhinoceros Beetles (Dynastinae subfamily) --- --- ---Rhinoceros Beetles (Xyloryctes genus) --- --- ---Ox Beetles (Strategus genus) --- --- ---Triceratops Beetles (Phileurus truncatus) ---May/June Beetles (Melolonthinae subfamily) ---Flower Scarabs (Trichiinae subfamily) ---Bumble Flower Beetles (Cetoniinae subfamily) --- ---Bumble Flower Beetles (Euphoria inda) --- ---Delta Flower Beetles (Trigonopeltastes delta) --- ---Green June Beetles (Cotinus nitida) Metallic Wood-boring Beetles (Buprestidae) Marsh Beetles (Scirtidae) Glowworm Beetles (Phengodidae) Lightning Bug Beetles (Lampyridae) ---Photinus genus --- ---Photinus pyralis ---Photuris genus --- ---Photuris pennsylvanica ---Other dayflying species ---Lucidota genus ---Ellychnia genus Click Beetles (Elateridae) Soldier Beetles (Cantharidae, Chauliognathinae subfamily) Podabrocephalid Beetles (Podabrocephalidae) Net-winged Beetles (Lycidae) Carrion Beetles (Silphidae) --- ---American Carrion Beetle (Necrophila americana) Rove Beetles (Staphylinidae) ---Tiger Beetles (Cicindelinae subfamily) --- ---Eastern Pine Barrens Tiger Beetles (Cicindelidia abdominalis) --- ---Six-spotted Tiger Beetles (Cicindela sexguttata) --- ---Festive Tiger Beetles (Cicindela scutellaris unicolor) --- ---Bronzed Tiger Beetles (Cicindela repanda) --- ---Margined Tiger Beetles (Ellipsoptera marginata) --- ---Whitish Tiger Beetles (Ellipsoptera gratiosa) --- ---Eastern Beach Tiger Beetles (Habroscelimorpha dorsalis) --- ---One-spotted Tiger Beetles (Apterodera unipunctata) Ground Beetles (Carabidae) --- ---Harpalinae subfamily --- ---Carabinae subfamily --- ---Trechinae subfamily Whirligig Beetles (Gyrinidae) Mystery Beetles Choose a beetle superfamily or higher taxon: Polyphaga suborder ---Cucujiformia infraorder --- ---Cucujoidea superfamily --- ---Curculionoidea superfamily --- ---Cleroidea superfamily --- ---Chrysomeloidea superfamily --- ---Tenebrionoidea superfamily ---Bostrichiformia infraorder --- ---Bostrichoidea superfamily ---Scarabeiformia infraorder --- ---Scarabaeoidea superfamily ---Elateriformia infraorder --- ---Buprestoidea superfamily --- ---Elateroidea superfamily ---Staphyliniformia infraorder --- ---Staphylinoidea superfamily --- ---Hydrophiloidea superfamily Adephaga suborder

Beetles (order Coleoptera, infraclass Neoptera, subclass Pterygota, class Insecta, subphylum Hexapoda, phylum Arthropoda, kingdom Animalia) Choose a beetle family or lower taxon: Ladybug Beetles (Coccinellidae) ---Coccinellinae Subfamily Ladybug Beetles --- ---Multi-colored Ladybug Beetles (Harmonia Axyridis) --- ---Seven-spotted Ladybug Beetles (Coccinella septempunctata) --- ---Spotted Ladybug Beetles (Coleomegilla maculata) --- ---Cycloneda genus Ladybug Beetles --- ---Mulsantina genus Ladybug Beetles ---Coccidulinae Subfamily --- ---Vedalia Beetles ---Scymninae subfamily --- ---Scymnini tribe --- --- ---Scymnus rubricaudus ---Chilocorinae subfamily --- ---Chilocorus genus Handsome Fungus Beetles (Endomychidae) Pleasing Fungus Beetles (Erotylidae) ---Ischyrus quadripunctatus ---Languria mozardi Leaf Rolling Weevils (Attelabidae) ---Attelabidus bipustulatus Snout Beetles (Curculionidae) ---Curculioninae subfamily --- ---Ash seed weevil (Lignyodes fraxini) --- ---Nut/acorn weevil (Curculio proboscideus) --- ---Yellow poplar weevil (Odontopus calceatus) ---Baridinae subfamily --- ---Barinus curticollis ---Dryophthorinae subfamily --- ---Billbug (Splenophorus genus) ---Entiminae subfamily --- ---Broad-nosed weevil (Naupactus genus) ---Lixinae subfamily --- ---Rhubarb Curculio (Lixus concavus) Primitive or Straight-snouted Weevils (Brentidae) ---Hollyhock Weevil (Apion longirostre) ---Oak Timberworm (Arrhenodes minuta) Fungus Weevils (Anthribidae) ---Euparius marmoreus (tribe Cratoparini, subfamily Anthribinae) Soft-winged Flower Beetles (Melyridae) ---Collops genus Checkered Beetles (Cleridae) ---Enoclerus ichneumoneus ---Enoclerus rosmarus Leaf Beetles (Chrysomelidae) ---Legume Weevils (Bruchinae subfamily) --- ---Redbud Weevil (Gibbobruchus mimus) ---Aquatic Leaf Beetles (Donaciinae subfamily) ---Tortoise Beetles (Cassidinae subfamily) --- ---Golden Tortoise Beetles (Cassidinae subfamily) --- ---Mottled Tortoise Beetles (Cassidinae subfamily) --- ---Palmetto Beetles (Cassidinae subfamily) ---Leaf-mining Beetles (Hispinae subfamily) ---Skeletonizing Beetles (Galerucinae subfamily) --- ---Flea Beetles (Alticini tribe) --- --- ---Disonycha genus --- --- ---Trirhabda genus --- --- ---Crepidodera genus --- --- ---Capraita genus --- ---Luperini tribe --- --- ---Spotted Cucumber Beetles (Diabrotica genus) --- ---Bean Leaf Beetles (Cerotoma genus) --- ---Ophraella genus --- --- ---Ophraella conferta --- --- ---Ophraella communa ---Broad-bodied Leaf Beetles (Chrysomelinae subfamily) --- ---Leptinotarsa genus --- ---Trachymela genus --- ---Calligrapha genus --- ---Zygogramma genus --- ---Swamp Milkweed Beetles (Labidomera clivicollis) --- ---Microtheca genus --- ---Prasocuris genus --- ---Chrysomela genus --- ---Calligrapha genus ---Case-bearing Beetles (Cryptocephalinae subfamily) --- ---Chlamisini tribe --- --- ---Warty Leaf Beetles (Neochlamisus genus) --- ---Clytrini tribe Leaf Beetles --- --- ---Cylindrical Leaf Beetles (Babia quadriguttata) --- --- ---Clay-colored Leaf Beetles (Anomoea laticlavia) --- ---Cryptocephalini tribe Leaf Beetles --- --- ---Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle (Cryptocephalus guttulatus) --- --- ---Cryptocephalus quadriplex --- --- ---Bassareus detritus --- --- ---Pachybrachis nigricornis ---Shining Leaf Beetles (Criocerinae subfamily) --- ---Lema solani --- ---Neolema sexpunctata Longhorned Beetles (Cerambycidae) ---Lepturinae subfamily --- ---Typocerus genus --- ---Strangalia sexnotata ---Cerambycinae subfamily --- ---Locust Borer (Megacyllene robiniae) --- ---Ancylocera bicolor --- ---Phymatodes amoena --- ---Rustic Borer (Xylotrechus colonus) ---Lamiinae subfamily --- ---Flat-faced Longhorn Beetle (Aegomorphus quadribbus) --- ---Sumac Stem Borer (Oberea ocellata) --- ---(Hemierana marginata ardens) --- ---(Cyrtinus pygmaeus) ---Prioninae subfamily Tumbling Flower Beetles (Mordellidae) Wedge-shaped Beetles (Ripiphoridae) Blister Beetles (Meloidae) False Blister Beetles (Oenemeridae) Darkling Beetles (Tenebrionidae) Carpet Beetles (Dermestidae) ---Varied Carpet Beetles (Anthrenus verbasci, tribe Anthrenini, subfamily Anthreninae) Bess Beetles (Passalidae) Scarab Beetles (Scarabaeidae) ---Tumblebugs (Scarabaeinae subfamily) --- ---Dung Beetles (Scarabaeinae subfamily) --- ---Shining Leaf Chafers (Rutelinae subfamily) --- --- ---Grapevine Beetles (Pelidnota punctata) --- --- ---Goldsmith Beetles (Cotalpha lanigera) --- --- ---Rose Chafer Beetles (Macrodactylus subspinosus) --- --- ---Japanese Beetles (Popillia japonica) --- ---Rhinoceros Beetles (Dynastinae subfamily) --- --- ---Rhinoceros Beetles (Xyloryctes genus) --- --- ---Ox Beetles (Strategus genus) --- --- ---Triceratops Beetles (Phileurus truncatus) ---May/June Beetles (Melolonthinae subfamily) ---Flower Scarabs (Trichiinae subfamily) ---Bumble Flower Beetles (Cetoniinae subfamily) --- ---Bumble Flower Beetles (Euphoria inda) --- ---Delta Flower Beetles (Trigonopeltastes delta) --- ---Green June Beetles (Cotinus nitida) Metallic Wood-boring Beetles (Buprestidae) Marsh Beetles (Scirtidae) Glowworm Beetles (Phengodidae) Lightning Bug Beetles (Lampyridae) ---Photinus genus --- ---Photinus pyralis ---Photuris genus --- ---Photuris pennsylvanica ---Other dayflying species ---Lucidota genus ---Ellychnia genus Click Beetles (Elateridae) Soldier Beetles (Cantharidae, Chauliognathinae subfamily) Podabrocephalid Beetles (Podabrocephalidae) Net-winged Beetles (Lycidae) Carrion Beetles (Silphidae) --- ---American Carrion Beetle (Necrophila americana) Rove Beetles (Staphylinidae) ---Tiger Beetles (Cicindelinae subfamily) --- ---Eastern Pine Barrens Tiger Beetles (Cicindelidia abdominalis) --- ---Six-spotted Tiger Beetles (Cicindela sexguttata) --- ---Festive Tiger Beetles (Cicindela scutellaris unicolor) --- ---Bronzed Tiger Beetles (Cicindela repanda) --- ---Margined Tiger Beetles (Ellipsoptera marginata) --- ---Whitish Tiger Beetles (Ellipsoptera gratiosa) --- ---Eastern Beach Tiger Beetles (Habroscelimorpha dorsalis) --- ---One-spotted Tiger Beetles (Apterodera unipunctata) Ground Beetles (Carabidae) --- ---Harpalinae subfamily --- ---Carabinae subfamily --- ---Trechinae subfamily Whirligig Beetles (Gyrinidae) Mystery Beetles Choose a beetle superfamily or higher taxon: Polyphaga suborder ---Cucujiformia infraorder --- ---Cucujoidea superfamily --- ---Curculionoidea superfamily --- ---Cleroidea superfamily --- ---Chrysomeloidea superfamily --- ---Tenebrionoidea superfamily ---Bostrichiformia infraorder --- ---Bostrichoidea superfamily ---Scarabeiformia infraorder --- ---Scarabaeoidea superfamily ---Elateriformia infraorder --- ---Buprestoidea superfamily --- ---Elateroidea superfamily ---Staphyliniformia infraorder --- ---Staphylinoidea superfamily --- ---Hydrophiloidea superfamily Adephaga suborder Beetles are the largest insect order; over 350,000 species of beetles have been documented. This means that about a third of all known animal species are beetle species. A very large proportion of them, in turn, are "leaf beetles," those in the Chrysomeloidea superfamily, and a very large proportion of those are in the Chrysomelidae family. Beetles have "sheathed" wings: their forewings have become protective shells, called "elytra," for their membranous hind wings, which actually do the flying. This is only one of fourteen identifying characteristics of beetles, but one of the two earliest characteristics to appear: beetles have had elytra for the past 285 million years. Their hind wings, made of membrane and which are folded up under the elytra, are a later development (245 million years ago), at least for the 90% of beetle species in the suborder Polyphaga ( Grimaldi & Engel, 2005, p. 361 ). Their hind wings are much bigger than their elytra forewings, sometimes sticking out from under these covers when flying beetles land. Do they have trouble folding up their big hind wings? Some Soldier Beetles do, apparently! Beetles undergo complete metamorphosis, i.e., they experience a pupa stage during which their anatomical structure changes dramatically. Unless stated otherwise, all taxonomic categories on this page were checked for validity against the contents of the Integrated Taxonomic Information System .

NOTE: All IDs on this page as tentative, as are IDs on every page of this website.

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Southern Village, Orange County, NC, 11/13/07. The spots have just started to come out on this recent metamorph.

Male Asian Multi-colored Ladybug Beetle. No spots at all!, Durham, NC, 8/14/08

quickly freed herself from this spider web by somehow causing the strand it was on to lengthen and weaken.

. Unlike native ladybugs, they try to enter houses and become pests in the process.

These beetles show a lot of variety in both color and spot patterns.

This shows different species of ladybugs that appeared in my part of the country (north-central North Carolina). The Multi-colored Asian Ladybug Beetle is very common and, as its English name suggests, shows a great deal of intra-species variation, not simply in color but in size of spots.

Almost all Ladybug Beetle species are carnivorous: all those that appear on this page are. However, it appears that they (as do many carnivorous species) also include flower nectar in their diets. Both Ladybug Beetle larvae and adults walk rapidly over the irregular surfaces where they are most often found; they are often seen charging up one side of a grass blade and down the other. They often, though not always, find their way to any aphids in the general area, and process them relatively slowly.

larva apparently about to become a pupa. Haw River State Park, Guilford & Rockingham Counties, NC, 5/30/08

Multi-colored Asian Ladybug Beetle (Harmonia axyridis) pupae

All of the pupae in the first row showed close to a swamp in my neighborhood. Although their species is unknown, they are almost certainly not Multi-colored Asian Ladybug Beetles. To judge from the species of the Ladybug Beetles seen in this vicinity, I would say they are most likely Coleomegilla maculata pupae.

The sequence in the first row (ordered photos of different pupae, taken on one or two leaves of the same tree) illustrates the changes Ladybug Beetle pupae of one species go through. On the left is a new pupa, with the long, thin shape of a larva and some larva parts still showing. Later on, as the pupa matures, it takes on the round adult shape and the old larval body parts outside the pupa's shell disappear.

larva, Durham, 6/23/05, seen on a cattail leaf at the same marsh as the adult Coleomegilla maculata beetles above.

larva, Durham, 6/23/05, seen on a cattail leaf at the same marsh as the adult Coleomegilla maculata beetles above.

mating pair, Durham (neighborhood marsh), 6/18/05. This is the most abundant species by far in this marsh.

mating pair, Durham (neighborhood marsh), 6/18/05. This is the most abundant species by far in this marsh.

adults in the immediate area, it seemed likely that this was one, too.

larva, Duke Gardens, 3/28/07. This larva, much skinnier than the one on the left, appeared on the steps at the central terrace.

larva, Durham (edge of marsh at neighborhood swamp), 4/11/06. This plump but nimble little rascal climbed rapidly over grass plants and other objects, readily bending in two.

Twenty-spotted Ladybug Beetle (Psyllobora vigintamaculata, Coccinellinae subfamily)

Vedalia Beetles (Rodolia cardinalis, Coccidulinae subfamily)

Dusky Ladybug Beetles (Scymnus rubricaudus, Scymnini tribe, Scymninae subfamily)

Mexican Bean Beetle: (Epilachna varivestris, Epilachninae subfamily)

Twice-stabbed Ladybug Beetles (Chilocorus genus, Chilocorinae subfamily)

Handsome Fungus Beetles (family Endomychidae, superfamily Cucujoidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Pleasing Fungus Beetles (subfamily Erotylinae, family Erotylidae, superfamily Cucujoidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Ischyrus quadripunctatus, Durham, NC, 5/9/08 Another beetle (probably Megalodacne heros) Duke Gardens, 7/24/05. This beetle was about one inch long and showed up at the far end of the Asian garden. Clover Stem Borer (Languria mozardi), Durham, NC, 5/17/20 Leaf Rolling Weevils (family Attelabidae, superfamily Curculionoidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga) Leaf rolling weevil (Attelabus bipustulatus), about 3 mm long, Haw River State Park, Rockingham County, NC, 5/31/08

Snout Beetle s (family Curculionidae, superfamily Curculionoidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga)

There are about 50,000 species of curculionid snout beetles, also called weevils. They are surprisingly easy to find, especially in brushy power line cuts. If most species weren't so tiny, we'd probably be swimming in them, especially if it weren't for ambush bugs, which lie in wait on flowering plants in brushy areas! Nevertheless, there are some notable exceptions to the size rule: some weevils are almost an inch long.

Curculioninae subfamily

Nut/acorn weevil (Curculio proboscideus), Durham, NC, 8/9/10. Proboscis alone was about an inch long. Ash seed weevil (Lignyodes fraxini). Genus ID thanks to Vassily Belov. Durham, NC, 12/30/18 Yellow Poplar Weevil (Odontopus calceatus) on American Black Elderberry. ID thanks to Vassily Belov.

Baridinae subfamily

Weevil (Barinus curticollis), about 3 mm long, Durham, NC, 6/27/09. Seen in local marsh. Genus ID thanks to Blaine Mathison.

Dryophthorinae subfamily

Billbug (Splenophorus venatus vestis) , Durham, NC, 6/13/20 Billbug (Splenophorus venatus vestis), Durham, NC, 6/8/09 Billbug (Sphenophorus genus), Durham, NC, 6/5/14, playing dead. ID thanks to Steve Scholnick. Billbug (Splenophorus venatus), Durham, NC, 6/30/11

Mating Cocklebur Weevils (Rhodobaenus quinquepunctatus) , Durham, NC, 7/12/20 Cocklebur Weevil (Rhodobaenus quinquepunctatus), Durham, 7/8/08 Tiny weevil on individual Butterfly Weed flower, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 6/25/11

Entiminae subfamily Broad-nosed weevil ( Naupactus genus) , Durham, NC, 7/9/20 Broad-nosed Weevil ( Naupactus genus), Greenville, Pitt County, NC, 9/20/08. Broad-nosed Weevils (Naupactus genus), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 8/31/07 Lixinae subfamily Mating Rhubarb Curculios (Lixus concavus), Durham, NC, 5/12/15 Rubarb Curculio (Lixus concavus), Durham, NC, 6/8/12 Rhubarb Curculio (Lixus concavus), Durham, NC, 9/7/08

Primitive or Straight-snouted Weevils (family Brentidae, superfamily Curculionoidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Oak Timberworm (Arrhenodes minutus), a type of straight-snouted weevil. It was about 18 mm long and brown in regular light (photo taken at night). ID thanks to John and Jane Balaban. See more information at the Forest Pests Oak Timberworm Page . Oak Timberworm (Arrhenodes minutus), another view

Fungus Weevils (family Anthribidae, superfamily Curculionoidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Euparius marmoreus, Falls Lake SP, Wake County, NC, 3/1/06. This beetle appeared near the end of a pier. Touching the beetle caused it to play dead briefly, after which it righted itself after some leg-wiggling.

Fungus beetle (Eurymycter fasciatus, Anthribinae subfamily), Durham, NC, 5/24/13

Checkered Beetles (family Cleridae, superfamily Cleroidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga) Checkered beetle (Enoclerus ichneumoneus), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 4/4/09. ID thanks to John and Jane Balaban. Checkered beetle (Enoclerus rosmarus), Durham, NC, 5/19/10 Checkered beetle (Enoclerus rosmarus), Durham, NC, 7/20/20 Soft-winged Flower Beetles (family Melyridae, superfamily Cleroidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga) Soft-winged flower beetle (Collops genus), Durham, NC, 7/15/09 Soft-winged flower beetle (Collops genus). Seen in neighborhood marsh. Durham, NC, 8/23/08 Tiny beetle (Hypebaeus bicolor). Eno River State Park, Old Cole Mill Road access, 4/24/09 Leaf Beetles (family Chrysomelidae, superfamily Chrysomeloidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga) Some Leaf Beetles, such as the Colorado Potato Beetles, were major crop pests because they were imported from outside North America while their natural predators were left behind. Leaf Beetles in general are far less common than they used to be as a result of insecticide use. However, they are still found munching on a variety of weeds and marsh vegetation in my neighborhood and at least a few other places. Tribe assignments for Tortoise Beetles are taken from the Alabama Agricultural Experiment Station, Auburn University web page. Most of the subfamily IDs are based on University of Minnesota's Insects of Cedar Creek. Legume Weevils (Subfamily Bruchinae)

Redbud Bruchid (Gibbobruchus mimus) on goldenrod. Species ID thanks to Skip Blanchard, tribe ID by John Rosenfeld.

Aquatic Leaf Beetles (Subfamily Donaciinae) Aquatic Leaf Beetle (Donacia genus), West Point on the Eno, Durham, NC, 7/4/09 Tortoise Beetles (Subfamily Cassidinae) There is some controversy about whether this subfamily should stand alone or be a part of the Leaf-mining Beetle subfamily Hispinae. Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata bicolor), Durham, NC, 7/1/07. These are photos of the same beetle, taken in different lighting. The "shell" is transparent on the left and reflective on the right. Golden Tortoise Beetle (Chariodotella sexpunctata, tribe Cassidini, sub-family Cassidinae), Duke Gardens, 7/24/05. Thanks to Rob Westerduijn, Iquitos, Peru for genus and species names. Thanks to Jeff Pippen for the subfamily ID. Golden Tortoise Beetle (Charidotella sexpunctata bicolor), Durham, NC, 8/4/18 Mottled Tortoise Beetle (Deloyala guttata), Durham, NC, 8/0420 Mottled Tortoise Beetle (Deloyala guttata), Durham, NC, 8/14/18 Palmetto Tortoise Beetle (Hemisphaerota cyanea), South Lido Park, Sarasota County, FL, 1/26/17 Clavate Tortoise Beetle (Plagiometriona clavata)

Clavate Tortoise Beetle larva, Durham, NC, 7/6/07. This insect was about 3 mm long. ID thanks to Donald S. Chandler. Same beetle, seen from below Same beetle, seen from above

Argus Tortoise Beetle (Chelymorpha cassidea, tribe Stolaini) Argus Tortoise Beetle (Chelymorpha cassidea, tribe Stolaini, subfamily Cassidinae ), north shore of Ocracoke Island, 5/15/05. This beetle was about half an inch long. Not sure of this ID. Leaf-mining Leaf Beetles (Subfamily Hispinae) The activity of the Locust Leafminer Beetles is described here: http://www.forestpests.org/vermont/locustleafminer.html. Leafmining leaf beetle (Sumitrosis inaequalis), Durham, NC, 5/10/17 Leaf beetle (Sumitrosis inaequalis), Durham, NC, 10/07/10 A Locust Leafminer Beetle (Odontata dorsalis) working on a leaf near Abbott Lake, Peaks of Otter, Bedford County, VA, 7/18/12. Adults skeletonize leaves to some extent, but most damage is done by larvae. Locust Leafminer beetle (Odontota dorsalis), Linn Cove Viaduct, Tanawha Trail, Avery, NC, 7/1/10

Subfamily Eumolpinae

Mating Dogbane Beetles (Chrysochus auratus), Daniel Boone Gardens, Boone, Watauga County, NC, 7/8/11 Dogbane Beetle (Chrysochus auratus), Flat River Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 6/3/11 Dogbane Beetle ( Chrysochus auratus), Occoneechee Mountain, Orange County, NC. It was about ½ inch long. These beetles only eat milkweed and dogbane.



Leaf beetle (Paria quadrinotata), Durham, NC, 5/4/20 Leaf beetle (Paria quadrinotata), Durham, NC, 4/14/09 Leaf beetle (Paria quadrinotata), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 5/11/07. Might be a Grape Rootworm beetle, Durham, NC, 6/30/08. There were a lot of Wild Grape vines in the general area.

Skeletonizing Leaf Beetles (Subfamily Galerucinae) Flea Beetles (Alticini tribe) Disonycha genus Flea Beetle (Disonycha fumata), Durham, NC, 4/19/06. This beetle was visiting a dandelion. Flea beetle (Disonycha glabrata), Durham, NC, 7/6/07. A very tiny beetle. Flea Beetle (Disonycha procera), Durham, 7/5/05. This one was about ¼ inch long.



Flea beetle (Kuschelina scripticollis), Durham, NC, 5/4/20 Flea beetle, (Kuschelina scripticollis, subfamily Galerucinae), White Pines Nature Preserve, Chatham County, NC, 4/16/06. Thanks to Eric Eaton and Mike Quinn for genus and species names, respectively. Flea beetle (Parchicola tibialis), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/2/11. ID thanks to Vassily Belov. Flea Beetle (Altica genus), about 2 mm long. Thanks to Rob Westerduijn for ID. Flea beetle (Strabala rufa), Durham, 7/15/05. Flea beetle (Capraita sexmaculata, Alticini tribe, Galerucinae subfamily, Chrysomelidae family). A kind of leaf beetle. Flea beetle (Capraita obsidiana). ID thanks to John Rosenfeld.

Trirhabda genus

Flea beetles (Trirhabda bacharidis), Durham, NC, 6/22/07. Genus ID thanks to Rob Westerduijn. Flea beetle larva (Trirhabda bacharidis), North Charleston, SC, 3/28/06

Crepidodera genus

Tiny beetle, Crepidodera genus, Durham, NC, 11/13/17. ID thanks to Margarethe Brummermann, confirmed by Blaine Mathison.

Capraita genus

Flea beetle (Capraita obsidiana), Durham, NC, 5/10/19. ID thanks to John Rosenfeld.

Spotted Cucumber Beetles (Luperini tribe) Diabrotica undecimpunctata This illustrates some interesting similarities. A Spotted Cucumber Beetle , at right, shared flower nectar with a (mainly carnivorous) ladybug beetle (Coleomegilla maculata) on 7/2/05. Spotted Cucumber Beetle, Durham, NC, 7/29/07 Spotted Cucumber Beetle, Durham, NC, 7/15/09 Spotted Cucumber Beetle, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 11/22/11 Spotted Cucumber Beetle, Pitt County Arboretum, Greenville, NC, 11/13/11



Bean Leaf Beetles (Cerotoma trifurcata, Luperini trube)

Bean Leaf Beetle (Cerotoma trifurcata), Durham, NC, 5/6/17 Another Bean Leaf Beetle (Cerotoma trifurcata), Durham, NC, 5/6/17. ID thanks to Brandon Woo. Bean Leaf Beetle (Cerotoma trifurcata), Durham, NC, 10/12/13. Color suggests it wasn't getting enough to eat.

Ophraella genus, Galerucini tribe

Skeletonizing leaf beetle (Ophraella conferta), Durham, NC, 8/2/20 Beetle (Ophraella communa), Durham, NC, 9/22/07

Broad-bodied Leaf Beetles (Subfamily Chrysomelinae) Leptinotarsa genus Burdock Beetle or False Potato Beetle Leptinotarsa juncta). I found this beetle munching on a leaf of one of my least favorite weeds (Horse Nettle). Durham, 9/27/05. Thanks to Eric Eaton for ID. Burdock Beetle (Leptinotarsa juncta), Durham, NC, 6/30/16 Colorado Potato Beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata), Flat River Impoundment, Durham County, NC, 6/3/11 Beetle (Leptinotarsa genus) larva, Durham, NC, 5/31/17 Beetle (Leptinotarsa genus) larva, Durham, NC, 5/23/20

Trachymela genus

Australian Tortoise Beetle (Trachymela sloanei), San Anselmo, Marin County, CA, 4/29/17. ID thanks to Vassily Belov.

Calligrapha genus

Calligrapha bidenticola beetles mating, Durham, NC, 8/18/20 Calligrapha bidenticola, Durham, NC, 7/12/20 Calligrapha bidenticola, Durham, 10/31/05.

Zygogramma genus

Ragweed Leaf Beetle (Zygogramma suturalis), Durham, NC, 8/13/20

Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetles (Labidomera clivicollis)

Swamp Milkweed Beetle, Durham, NC, 5/31/18 Swamp Milkweed Beetle, Durham, NC, 7/28/18 Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetle , Eno River State Park, Orange County, NC, 10/9/06 Swamp Milkweed Leaf Beetles mating, Durham, NC, 5/10/19

Microtheca genus

Mating Yellow-margined Leaf Beetles (Microtheca ochroloma, subfamily Chrysomelinae), Durham, NC, 5/8/08 Yellow-margined Leaf Beetle (Microtheca ochroloma), Durham, NC, 9/23/09. Seen on a blade of grass near a marsh after a heavy rain.

Prasocuris phellandri

B eetle, about 2 mm. Durham, NC, 5/4/09 Beetle (maybe Prasocuris phellandri), Durham, NC, 5/19/19

Cottonwood Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela scripta)

Cottonwood Leaf Beetle (Chrysomela scripta), Durham, NC, 7/14/19 Cottonwood Leaf beetle (Chrysomela scripta), seen at the observation tower at the summit of Moore's Knob, Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 4/11/10, far from anything with leaves on it.

Calligrapha confluens

Calligraphic Leaf Beetle (Calligrapha confluens), Black Balsam Knob, Blue Ridge Parkway Milepost 420, NC, 6/1/11. Photo by Rain Parker.

Case-bearers, i.e., Cylindrical Leaf Beetles, Warty Leaf Beetles and Short-horned Leaf Beetles (Subfamily Cryptocephalinae) They are called "cryptocephalid" because of the "hidden" orientation of their heads. Females cover their eggs with their feces, which become a "case" that the growing larva builds on. Chlamisini tribe Warty leaf beetle (Neochlamisus eubati ), Durham, NC, 6/7/14. Species is a guess. Warty leaf beetle (Neochlamisus bebbianae), Durham, NC, 4/24/20. Species is a guess. Warty leaf beetle (Neochlamisus bebbianae) , Durham, NC, 10/9/16 Warty leaf beetle (Neochlamisus bebbianae) , Durham, NC, 5/10/08. Although most insects (and some treefrogs) seem to mimic dead leaves, this beetle is typically confused with caterpillar droppings, but only when it tucks its legs under it and lies motionless! Warty leaf beetle (possibly Exema genus) , Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/4/08.

Clytrini tribe

Cylindrical Leaf beetle (Babia quadriguttata, tribe Clytrini), Durham, 6/2/06. Clay-colored Leaf Beetle (Anomoea laticlava), Prairie Ridge Ecostation, Raleigh, Wake County, NC, 5/20/15 Clay-colored Leaf Beetle ( Anomoea laticlavia, tribe Clytrini) , Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 6/15/07. Family ID thanks to Jim McClarin . Probably another Clay-colored Leaf Beetle , Indian Creek Trail, a Jordan Lake Game Land, Chatham County, NC, 7/7/06

Cryptocephalini tribe

Fourteen-spotted Leaf Beetle (Cryptocephalus guttulatus), about 4 mm long. Durham, NC, 7/31/10 Leaf beetle (Cryptocephalus quadriplex). Durham, NC, 5/17/08 Cryptocephalid beetle (Bassareus detritus), North Carolina Botanical Garden, Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, 6/13/18 Scriptured leaf beetle (Pachybrachis nigricornis). Genus ID thanks to Margarethe Brummerman.

Casebearer Beetle Larvae

Casebearer beetle larvae cover nearly all of their bodies except their legs with a case made of their own fecal matter, eventually carrying themselves mostly upright. When they mature, they struggle out of the case and become pupae.

Casebearer beetle larva (Lema genus), Greenville, NC, 9/20/08. A relatively early instar. ID thanks to Charley Eiseman and Blaine Mathison. Casebearer beetle larva, about 3 mm long, emerging from its case. Third Fork Trail, Durham, NC, 7/2/11 Case-bearer beetle larva, Penny's Bend, Durham County, NC, 6/4/06. Case-bearer beetle larva, Durham, NC, 6/20/05. Case-bearer beetle larva, Durham, NC, 6/17/07. You can just barely see the little legs near the bottom. Casebearer beetle larva, Jordan Lake Gameland, Chatham County, NC, 6/19/07. You can see the little legs at the bottom.

Shining Leaf Beetles (Criocerinae subfamily)

These have no relation to the Shining Leaf Chafers of the Scarabaeidae family. These are less than ¼ inch long.

Female Six-spotted Shining Leaf Beetle (Neolema sexpunctata), Durham, 5/6/09 Male Six-spotted Shining Leaf Beetle (Neolema sexpunctata), Durham, NC, 7/1/07 Shining leaf beetle, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 5/4/08 Shining leaf beetle (Lema solani). ID thanks to Blaine Mathison. Durham, NC, 6/2/18 Shining leaf beetle (Lema solani), Durham, NC, 5/19/19

Long-horned Beetles (family Cerambycidae, superfamily Chrysomeloidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Lepturinae subfamily

Zebra Flower Longhorn Beetle (Typocerus zebra), Durham, NC, 5/7/08 Zebra Flower Longhorn Beetle (Typocerus zebra), Haw River State Park, Guilford & Rockingham Counties, NC, 5/31/08 Flower Longhorn Beetle (Typocerus velutinus), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/15/06 Flower Longhorn Beetle (Typocerus velutinus), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/15/06

Flower Longhorn Beetle ( Strangalia sexnotata) , Durham, NC, 9/8/06 Flower Longhorn Beetle (Strangalepta abbreviata), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, 6/4/08 Longhorn Beetle, Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 6/18/09. Top black spots may have been rubbed off. Flower longhorn beetle (Encyclops caerulea), Glassmine Gap Trail, Macon County, NC, 5/28/13 Flower longhorn beetle (Charisalia americana), Durham, NC, 5/22/20

Cerambycinae subfamily

Locust Borer ( Megacyllene robiniae), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/29/05. Locust Borer (Megacyllene robiniae) , Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/7/06

Parelaphidion aspersum, Durham, NC, 5/22/09. ID thanks to Vassily Belov , with confirmation from Michael Thomas.

Rustic Borer (Xylotrechus colonus), Durham, NC, 6/27/10. Photo taken at night. Longhorn beetle (Xylotrechus schaefferi), Durham, NC, 4/5/20

Longhorn beetle (Ancylocera bicolor), Raulston Arboretum, Raleigh, NC, 6/9/06. ID thanks to Sean McCann .

Longhorn beetle (Euderces pini), Third Fork Creek Trail, Durham, NC, 5/16/13 Long-horned beetle (Euderces pini, Tillomorphini tribe) , Eno River State Park, Old Cole Mill Road access, 4/4/07

Lamiinae subfamily

Flat-faced longhorn beetle (Hemierana marginata argens, Hemilophini tribe). ID thanks to Mike Thomas .

Prioninae subfamily

Brown Prionid ( Orthosoma brunneum , Prionini tribe), Durham, NC, 7/7/08. This beetle looked brown to me. This photo taken at night, and use of the flash showed that the beetle's body surface reflects red light. I wonder if this is part of the beetle's strategy to deflect infrared light, since its large body is otherwise vulnerable to overheating in this hot weather. Tumbling Flower Beetles (family Mordellidae, superfamily Tenebrionoidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga) Eight-spotted Tumbling Flower Beetle (Hoshihananomia octopunctata), Durham, NC, 8/11/08. These photos illustrate the odd head shape (flat on the bottom) and how that head moves. This beetle was about 5 mm long. Tumbling Flower Beetle (Mordellistena comata), Durham, NC, 6/4/20 Tumbling flower beetle (Glipa hilaris), Durham, NC, 7/2/12. ID thanks to Ken Wolgemuth. Tumbling flower beetle (Mordella genus?) on Queen Anne's Lace, Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/24/09 Tumbling flower beetle on Queen Anne's Lace. Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 6/25/11 Wedge-shaped Beetles (family Ripiphoridae, superfamily Tenebrionoidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga) Macrosiagon cruenta, Penny's Bend, 6/4/06. Family ID thanks to Jim McClarin . Macrosiagon cruenta, same place and time Wedge-shaped Beetle (Macrosiagon limbata), Boone Gardens, Watauga County, NC, 8/12/09 Blister Beetles (family Meloidae, superfamily Tenebrionoidea, infraorder Cucujiformia, suborder Polyphaga) Margined Blister Beetle Epicauta pestifera), Occoneechee Mountain, Orange County, NC, 8/12/06. ID thanks to Lynette Schimming . Margined Blister Beetle ( Epicauta pestifera ) , Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 9/1/07 Blister beetle (Nemognatha genus, species probably piazata), Fort Fisher, New Hanover County, NC, 6/22/06. ID thanks to Stanislav Krejcik . Confirmed by BugGuide . Blister Beetle (Lytta aenea, tribe Lyttin), Durham, NC, 4/23/08 Black Blister Beetle ( Epicauta pennsylvanica), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, 8/31/08 Darkling Beetles (family Tenebrionidae, superfamily Tenebrionoidea, infraorder Cucjiformia, suborder Polyphaga) Long-jointed Beetle (Arthromacra aenea, subfamily Lagriinae), a darkling beetle. The park was full of these beetles. Hanging Rock State Park, Stokes County, NC, 6/18/09



False Blister Beetles (family Oedemeridae, superfamily Tenebrionoidea, infraorder Cucjiformia, suborder Polyphaga)



Dark Flower Scarab (Euphoria sepulchralis) , Durham, NC, 5/12/20 Dark Flower Scarab (Euphoria sepulchralis) , Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 6/15/07. Dark Flower Scarab (Euphoria sepulcralis) on an Oxeye Daisy, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 5/15/19. ID thanks to T. Hedlund.





Delta Flower Beetle ( Trigonopeltastes delta), Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 6/13/09 Delta Flower Beetle , Durham, NC, 7/8/08



Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida), seen on underside of Queen Anne's Lace blossom, Boone Greenway, Watauga County, NC, 7/7/11 Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida), UNC at Chapel Hill, Orange County, NC, 7/24/09 Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida) in flight, Durham, NC, 7/10/08 Green June Beetle (Cotinis nitida), Durham, NC, 6/19/09 Scarab Beetle Larvae (also called grubs) Grubs live in the ground during most of their time as larvae. Sometimes they emerge and crawl astonishing distances on their backs. I once saw one moving vigorously along in the middle of the lot of a large car dealer. Scarab beetle grub, crawling on its back in the street. Durham, NC, 8/23/10 Durham, 11/29/05. This grub drowned during a heavy rain. Durham, 1/9/06. A small grub apparently hibernating. Marsh Beetles (family Scirtidae, superfamily Scirtoidea, infraorder Elateriformia, suborder Polyphaga) Marsh beetle (Cyphon genus, Scirtidae family), Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC, 2/21/11. ID thanks to Brad Barnd.

Metallic Wood-boring Beetles (family Buprestidae, superfamily Buprestoidea, infraorder Elateriformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Emerald Ash Borer (Agrilus planipennis), Durham, NC, 4/26/20 Flat-headed Pine Heartwood Borer ( Chalcophora virginiensis), Durham, NC, 4/25/06. A fairly large beetle, almost two inches long. Buprestid beetle (Acmaeodera tubulus), Durham, NC, 5/17/20 Buprestid beetle (Chrysobothris scitula), Durham, NC, 6/6/09. ID thanks to T. Hedlund. Buprestid beetle (Chrysobothris genus), Bear Cliffs Trail, Giles County, VA, 6/13/11

Red-necked Cane Borer (Agrilus ruficollis), Durham, NC, 6/1/20 Red-necked Cone Borers (Agrilus ruficollis): One female, two males, mating going on. Sandy Creek Park, Durham, NC, 5/31/11 Buprestid Beetle (Dicerca genus), Goose Creek State Park, Beaufort County, NC, 9/21/08. Seen on beach (at Pamlico River). Golden Buprestid Beetle (Buprestis aurulenta), Mt. Tamalpais, Marin County, CA, 10/8/11. Photo by photographer who asks his identity to be witheld.

Glowworm Beetles (family Phengodidae, superfamily Elateroidea, infraorder Elateriformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Glowworm Beetle ( Phengodes plumosa, Phengodinae subfamily), Durham, NC, 5/11/07 Glowworm beetle (Phengodes plumosa) , Haw River State Park, Guilford & Rockingham Counties, NC, 5/31/08

Lightning Bug (or Firefly) Beetles (family Lampyridae, superfamily Elateroidea, infraorder Elateriformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Night-flying fireflies (Photinus genus)

Firefly (Photinus pyralis) Firefly beetle (Photinus pyralis), Durham, NC, 5/25/19

Dayflying fireflies: Photuris genus

Firefly beetle (Photuris pennsylvanica), with deformed wings, Haw River State Park, Guilford & Rockingham Counties, NC, 5/30/08 Firefly beetle (Photuris pennsylvanica), Johnston Mill, Orange County, NC, 7/1/06 Firefly beetle (Photuris pennsylvanica), Durham, NC, 7/24/09. Photo taken at night. Firefly beetle larva (Photuris genus), Durham, NC, 1/19/15 Firefly beetle larva, Durham, NC, 11/7/13

Other dayflying fireflies:

Lanternless f irefly beetle (Ellychnia corrusca), Eno River SP, Orange County, NC, 4/2/06. ID thanks to Lynn Faust, Knoxville, TN. Lanternless firefly beetle (Lucidota atra), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/16/07. ID thanks to Lynn Faust, Knoxville, TN.

Click Beetles (family Elateridae, superfamily Elateroidea, infraorder Elateriformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Eyed Click Beetle, ( Alaus oculatus), Durham, 5/18/06 Eyed Click Beetle (Alaus oculatus), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 5/10/11 Eyed Click Beetle, Haw River State Park, Guilford & Rockingham Counties, NC, 5/30/08 Eyed Click Beetle preparing for takeoff at no River State Park, Old Cole Mill Road access, Durham County, NC, 5/19/06

Click beetle (Orthostethus infuscatus), Durham, NC, 70108. Photo taken at night. ID thanks to Blaine Mathison. Click beetle (maybe Ampedus nigricollis, Elaterinae subfamily), Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 5/6/08. ITIS does not recognize this genus, although CalPhotos uses it. Click beetle (Ctenicera divaricata), Durham, NC, 7/8/20 Click beetle (Ctenicera divaricata), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/16/07. ID thanks to Blaine Mathison. Click beetle (Ctenicera divaricata), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 7/2/11. ID thanks to Blaine Mathison. Elaterid beetle (Horistonotus curiatus, Cardiophorinae subfamily), Durham, NC, 5/24/09. About 3 mm long.

Click beetle (Ctenicera longicornis, Prosterninae subfamily), Standing Indian Mountain, Clay County, NC, 5/27/13. ID thanks to Blaine Mathison.

Click beetle larva, Penny's Bend Nature Preserve, Durham County, NC, 8/31/08

Net-winged Beetles (family Lycidae, superfamily Elateroidea, infraorder Elateriformia, suborder Polyphaga)

There are four net-winged beetles (Calopteron reticulatum) here. It's possible that it's a mating couple and two interlopers, but I wouldn't put down money on it! Durham, NC, 7/1/08 Net-winged beetle (Calopteron reticulatum), about 1 inch long Golden Net-winged Beetle (Dictyopterus aurora), American Tobacco Trail (Mile 5), Durham, NC, 2/26/09 Net-winged Beetle, (most likely Eros humeralis) Durham, NC, 4/27/07. This beetle showed up about a city block from the swamp. Net-winged Beetle (Eros humeralis), Eno River State Park, Old Cole Mill Road access, Orange County, NC, 5/10/07. ID thanks to Tim R. Moyer. Net-winged Beetle (Plateros genus), Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, Orange County, NC, 6/9/07

Soldier Beetles (family Cantharidae, superfamily Elateroidea, infraorder Elateriformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Chauliognathinae subfamily

Margined Leather-wing ( Chauliognathus marginatus). Wing maintenance, Durham swamp, 7/2/05. Notice the leg over the wing. Sometime later.

Margined Leatherwing, Durham, 6/14/05. Pennsylvania Leatherwing (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus) , NC Botanical Garden, Orange County, NC, 8/28/06 Pennsylvania Leatherwing ( Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus ) with wing problem, Durham, NC, 5/10/19 Leatherwing beetle with eclosing failure, Durham, NC, 9/23/12

Pennsylvania Leatherwings (Chauliognathus pennsylvanicus). Mating pair, 8/28/05, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, Orange County, NC.

Two-lined Leatherwing Beetle (Atalantycha bilineata), Durham, NC, 4/17/09 Two-lined Leatherwing Beetle (Atalantycha bilineata), Durham, NC, 3/18/09

Podabrocephalid Beetles (family Podabrocephalidae, superfamily Elateroidea, infraorder Elateriformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Generally, the beetle genus Podabrus is classified in the Cantharidae family by environmental science workers, but professional taxonomists disagree, probably because its head and thorax structure differs greatly from that of typical Elateroideans. This controversy is reflected on the Tree of Life Elateroidea Page and the ITIS Elateriformia Page.



Podabrus rugosulus, Durham, NC, 5/18/09. This genus and species name is generally accepted by those working in the field.

Carrion Beetles (family Silphidae , superfamily Staphylinoidea, infraorder Staphyliniformia, suborder Polyphaga)

American Carrion Beetle (Necrophilus americana)

Carrion Beetle, Montreat, Buncombe County, NC, 5/2/12 Acorn and Carrion Beetle, Fort Fisher State Recreation Area, New Hanover County, NC, 9/25/17

Carrion beetle larva, Durham, NC, 5/24/09

Rove Beetles (family Staphylinidae, superfamily Staphylinoidea, infraorder Staphyliniformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Rove beetle (Platydracus cinnamopterus complex), Durham, NC, 8/7/14 Rove beetle (Platydracus genus), Durham, NC, 8/5/12. ID thanks to Blaine Mathison. Rove beetle (Stenus flavicornus), Durham, NC, 4/8/14. Genus ID thanks to Craig Sondergaard. Rove beetle (Stenus flavicornis), Durham, NC, 2/20/18 Rove beetle (Pinophilus genus), seen on a sidewalk near a four-lane road on the Third Fork Creek Trail, Durham, NC, 6/21/12 Rove beetle (Creophilus maxillosus), found on an outdoor trash receptacle In Winston-Salem, Forsyth County, NC, 8/23/11

Rove beetle, Durham, NC, 7/22/12 Rove beetle, Jordan Lake Gameland, Chatham County, NC, 6/19/07. The foreshortened abdomen was raised in the air.

Water Scavenger Beetles (family Hydrophilidae, superfamily Hydrophiloidea, infraorder Staphyliniformia, suborder Polyphaga)

Adults are herbivorous, the larvae carnivorous. They have to come to the surface to get air.

Water scavenger beetle ( Hydrophilus triangularis?), in a small stream through a Jordan Lake mudflat, Chatham County, NC, 10/09/11 Water Scavenger Beetle ( Hydrophilus triangularis), Durham, 6/19/06. This beetle was underwater at the time. Same Water Scavenger Beetle.

Tiger Beetles (subfamily Cicindelinae, family Carabidae, suborder Adephaga)

Tiger beetles are predators. Their species distribution: USGS statistics on US tiger beetle sightings. Reference: Hoback, W. Wyatt, and John J. Riggins. 2001. Tiger beetles of the United States. Jamestown, ND: Northern Prairie Wildlife Research Center Online. http://www.npwrc.usgs.gov/resource/distr/insects/tigb/index.htm (Version 12DEC2003).

All of the tiger beetles shown below are in the tribe Cicindelini.

Eastern Pine Barrens Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia abdominalis)

Eastern Pine Barrens Tiger Beetle (Cicindelidia abdominalis), Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 8/7/18

Six-spotted Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sexguttata)

This is by far the most common tiger beetle species in my experience.

Six-spotted Tiger Beetle, Durham, 3/31/07 Six-spotted Tiger Beetle without any spots. I also saw several others just like it at I'on Swamp, Francis Marion National Forest, Charleston County, SC, 3/29/06. Six-spotted Tiger Beetle, with 10 spots, Sandy Creek Park, Durham, NC, 3/19/10. Six-spotted Tiger Beetle with at least eight spots. Johnston Mill Nature Preserve, 4/13/06. Six-spotted Tiger Beetle with eight spots, Mason Farm Biological Reserve, 4/14/06

Festive Tiger Beetle (Cicindela scutellaris unicolor)

Festive Tiger Beetle, Anastasia State Park, St. Johns County, FL 3/28/15. ID thanks to Ben Coulter.

Bronzed Tiger Beetles (Cicindela repanda)

Bronzed Tiger Beetle (Cicindela repanda), Mountain Lake Conservancy, Giles County, VA, 6/13/11. Near lake shore. Bronzed Tiger Beetles (Cicindela repanda) Indian Creek trail, Chatham County, NC. These beetles resembled houseflies at a distance because of their size and movements. ID provided by Josh Rose. Bronzed Tiger Beetle, Lake Jordan shore, Chatham County, NC, 10/16/05 Bronzed Tiger Beetle, Occoneechee Mountain Natural Area, Orange County, NC, 3/25/07.

Margined Tiger Beetles (Ellipsotera marginata)



Mating Margined Tiger Beetles, Theodore Roosevelt Natural Area, Carteret County, NC, 7/23/08

Whitish Tiger Beetle (Ellipsoptera gratiosa)

Whitish tiger beetle, Carolina Beach State Park, New Hanover County, NC, 6/23/06. Although these beetles were numerous that day in the heart of CBSP, I'd never seen them there (or anywhere else) before and haven't seen any since. ID thanks to Patrick Coin of Durham, NC.

Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle (Habroscelimorpha dorsalis)

There are two subspecies, media and dorsalis. The former is southern (south of Virginia) and common, while the other is northern and rare. The distinction between the two subspecies is described in detail in Elizabeth Ann Studer's paper: https://getd.libs.uga.edu/pdfs/studer_elizabeth_a_201608_ms.pdf. These are members of the southern subspecies, i.e., H. d. media.

Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle, Fort Macon State Park, Carteret County, NC, 7/22/08 Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle, Ocracoke Island (north end), Hyde County, NC, 5/23/12. The genus name may have recently been changed. Eastern Beach Tiger Beetle, Ocracoke, Hyde County, NC, 5/26/17

One-spotted Tiger Beetle (Apterodera unipunctata)

One-spotted Tiger Beetle , Eno River State Park, Fews Ford Access, top of Cox Mountain, Orange County, NC, 5/27/06. One-spotted Tiger Beetle , Haw River State Park, Guilford & Rockingham Counties, NC, 5/31/08.

Ground Beetles (family Carabidae, suborder Adephaga)

Harpalinae subfamily

False Bombardier Beetle (Galerita genus) larva, Third Fork Trail, Durham, NC, 8/7/11 moving very fast. False bombardier beetle, frantically running near a stream at a Jordan Lake Gameland, Chatham County, NC, 10/9/11. Colorful foliage ground beetle (Lebia vittata, tribe Lebiini, subfamily Harpalinae). Genus ID thanks to Eric R. Eaton . Species ID thanks to Skip Blanchard. Tiny beetle (Lebia ornata), Boone, Watauga County, NC, 8/14/19. ID thanks to Yurika Alexander. Ground beetle (Leptotrachelus dorsalis, Ctenodactylini tribe, Harpalinae subfamily). Thanks to v. belov for genus ID and Peter Messer for species ID Vivid Metallic Ground Beetle (Chlaenius genus) larva, Durham, NC, 7/7/12. ID thanks to Vassily Belov.

Genus Amara, tribe Zabrini, subfamily Harpalinae, Durham, NC, 4/9/08 Ground Beetle (Amara aulica, subfamily Harpalinae), Durham, 4/3/09. About ½ inch long. Ground Beetle (Amara aulica), Durham, NC, 11/9/09 Ground beetle (Amara aulica), Greenville, Pitt County, NC, 11/12/10

Carabinae subfamily

Caterpillar Hunter (Calosoma scrutata) with prey, Durham, NC, 4/23/15 Three Caterpillar Hunter beetles, one with prey, Durham, NC, 4/23/1 Caterpillar Hunter, Durham, NC, 4/3/12 Caterpillar Hunter, Durham, NC, 5/13/13 Ground beetle (Calosoma sayi), almost an inch long, Jordan lake Gameland mudflat area, near a stream, 10/9/11. ID thanks to Jeff Winget.

Trechinae subfamily

Ground beetle (Bembidion americanus), Jordan Lake, Chatham, NC, 10/28/17. Genus ID confirmed by Blaine Mathison. Species ID thanks to Curt Harden.

Whirligig Beetles (family Gyrinidae, suborder Adephaga)

I get the general impression from my reading that Dineutus is the only Gyrinidae genus this big found in the continental US.