Subject: what is this black beetle ?
Location: greater Boston Massachusetts
August 7, 2016 4:35 pm
we found this in our backyard in August
Signature: lawa
Dear Iawa,
This is a Scarab Beetle in the genus Osmoderma and according to BugGuide, the larvae feed on: “Decaying centers of various hardwoods.” Is there a rotting tree nearby and did the beetle smell like leather? We believe this is Osmoderma eremicola which is commonly called a Hermit Flower Beetle or the Odor of Leather Beetle because according to BugGuide, it gives off a “strong odor of ‘Russian Leather.'” BugGuide also notes: “adults nocturnal, come to lights.”