Ox Beetle

Strategus sp.

a large scarab beetle, Scarabaeidae, Strategus, photo © by Mike Plagens

Observed on a lighted tennis court in Sta, Cruz Co., Arizona, USA. 31 July 2010.

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That these lumbering insects have a pair of wings that can be unfolded from beneath the hard shells of their elytra and take flight is truly amazing. Imagine what military units would do to have a tank that could fly!

Huge grubs are the immature stage and might take years to mature beneath sandy soils as they tunnel through rotting logs or tree roots. They pupate and emerge in the summer time, mostly after the monsoon rains begin. At night, they take flight and find that their navigation systems are disrupted by electric lights. Southern Arizona canyons are a top destination for night insect collectors using lights.

Scarabaeidae -- Scarab Beetle Family

More Information:

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Arizona Naturalist
Sycamore Canyons
Invertebrates in Arizona's Sycamore Canyons


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Copyright Michael J. Plagens, page created 31 January 2014