Subject: A beetle I’m assuming…
Geographic location of the bug: San Francisco Bay Area (East Bay)
Date: 06/10/2019
Time: 03:31 AM EDT
Your letter to the bugman: Hello! I’m finding these large, 1 1/2-2” beetles hanging out completely still in my driveway during the summer months. I’m not looking to get rid of them, just like to know a bit more about what scares the crap out of me when I’m taking the trash out late at night! (They’re HUGE!). Thanks.
How you want your letter signed: Kara W.
Dear Kara,
This is a California Root Borer, one of the largest Beetles native to California. They are attracted to lights, which might be the reason you are finding them in your driveway. Though they are not aggressive, they do have very powerful mandibles, so you should handle with caution to avoid a nip. Here is a BugGuide image for comparison.