Net-winged Beetle

Lycus sanguineus

Photographed while on Burro Bush (Hymenoclea salsola) in Rackensack Canyon, Maricopa County, Arizona. August 3, 2008.

Lycidae -- Net-winged Beetle Family

The bright red and black coloration of this insect strongly suggests aposematism. That is the insect has little fear of being predated by a bird or other visual predator because the coloration advertises a noxious biochemical within. When foraging in flowers for nectar or pollen for example they move slowly and do not readily fly.

Jim McClarin found the immature larvae living beneath rocks. Likely they feed on fungi in this habitat (Lawrence, J.F. 1982. Coleoptera. pp. 482-553 In: Parker, S.P. (editor) Synopsis and Classification of Living Organisms, Volume 2. McGraw Hill. New York, NY.).

The immature stage of Lycus beetles are active at dusk and dawn and may be found following rainstorms. Flattened in appearance with scale-like margins. Catalina State Park, Arizona. 30 July 2016.

More Information:

• Bugguide.net Univ. of Iowa
• The Firefly Forest - Tucson
• ITIS Taxonomic Report
• Google Images
• Google Scholar Literature Search

Net-winged Beetle

Lycus fernandezi

The base color of the elytra (hardened, second pair of wings) is orange rather than red. Net-winged beetles have prominent veins in the elytra which gives them a net-like appearance. Also notice the sharp notch in the black portion of the elytra. This species is also likely aposematic. That is the insect has little fear of being predated by a bird or other visual predator because the coloration advertises a noxious biochemical within. When foraging in flowers for nectar or pollen for example they move slowly and do not readily fly.

More Information:

• Bugguide.net Univ. of Iowa
• ITIS Taxonomic Report
• Google Images
• Google Scholar Literature Search