Click Beetle? But what kind?
April 19, 2010
Hello,
We found this unusual looking beetle on April 19, Sierra Nevada Foothills in California. We’ve never seen anything like it in 18 years living here. It has a velvety iridescent copper color with spots and does the classic click and flip when on it’s back like a click beetle. It’s about 1/2″ long. Thanks.
The Sherman Family
37°29′06″N 119°57′59″W / 37.485°N 119.96639°W / 37.485; -119.96639
Dear Sherman Family,
We decided to post one last letter before going to bed, but we are not sure we want to spend time researching this species before posting. It sure is a beauty. We will try a bit tonight and attempt more searching in the morning. Meanwhile, we always appreciate assistance from our readership.
Eric Eaton provides the answer
Daniel:
I tracked it down! I’m so proud of myself:
http://bugguide.net/node/view/166340/bgimage
Prosternon mirabilis it is. Nice click beetle!
Eric
After a bit of searching on bug guide I found this little beauty which I think could very well be a match. (could be way off though)
http://bugguide.net/node/view/166340
Not too much information given there, though the ones displayed all hail from California as well.