Defensive-posture
Guides
Eleodes cordata
desert stink beetle, clown beetle
Eleodes cordata is a species of darkling beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, commonly referred to as a desert stink beetle or clown beetle. The species is part of a large genus of flightless, ground-dwelling beetles native to arid and semi-arid regions of North America. Like other Eleodes species, it possesses defensive chemical capabilities and exhibits the characteristic "headstand" defensive posture when threatened. The species was described by Eschscholtz in 1829.
Eleodes producta
desert stink beetle
Eleodes producta is a species of desert stink beetle in the family Tenebrionidae, first described by Mannerheim in 1843. It belongs to the genus Eleodes, commonly known as clown beetles, which are characterized by their defensive head-stand posture. The species is found in western North America, with confirmed records in California. As with other Eleodes species, it likely exhibits the typical defensive behaviors and ecological adaptations of desert tenebrionids.
Neomallodon arizonicus
Neomallodon arizonicus is a species of longhorned beetle in the family Cerambycidae, subfamily Prioninae. Originally described by Casey in 1912 under a different name, it was later recognized as a distinct species by Skiles in 1978. The species is found in the southwestern United States and Mexico, with records from Arizona, New Mexico, and Oklahoma. It is among the larger species in the genus and is associated with oak woodland habitats, particularly Gambel oak (Quercus gambelii). Adults are attracted to prionic acid lures and exhibit distinctive searching behavior when attempting to locate pheromone sources.
Trigonopeltastes delta
delta flower scarab, D beetle
Trigonopeltastes delta is a diurnal scarab beetle in the subfamily Cetoniinae, commonly known as the delta flower scarab or D beetle. Adults measure 8–10 mm in length and are distinguished by a prominent yellow triangle on the pronotum that resembles the Greek letter delta, giving the species its name. This marking has been theorized to function in Batesian mimicry of wasp defensive coloration. The beetle is native to the southeastern United States with range extending north to New Jersey, and is frequently observed on flowers from late spring through summer.