Darkling Beetle
Eusattus reticulatus (?)
Observed along a trail in lower Madera Canyon, Sta. Cruz Co., Arizona, USA. September 2010.
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Darkling beetles belonging to many different species are commonly encountered crawling along the soil surface in semi-arid habitats in Arizona, and elsewhere around the world. The immature stage is a grub or ‘wire-worm’ that typically finds habitat beneath the soil feeding on organic matter of various kinds depending on the species. The adult beetles are well armored and frequently can give off nasty smelling compounds that repel insect eaters or curious human bug handlers.