Piggyback ride.... I'm assuming these are a species of Carrion Beetles as they were found on a dead fish. At first I thought they were mating, but it doesn't appear to be the case....

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Piggyback ride.....

Mar 28, 2016 17:58:21 #

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

I'm assuming these are a species of Carrion Beetles as they were found on a dead fish. At first I thought they were mating, but it doesn't appear to be the case.... There were several sets of these riding piggyback like this.

(Download)

Mar 28, 2016 19:17:09 #

Screamin Scott Loc: Marshfield Wi, Baltimore Md, now Dallas Ga

Got the ID on these. It's Species Oiceoptoma inaequale - Ridged Carrion Beetle

Mar 28, 2016 20:24:57 #

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

:thumbup:
Only doing what comes natural. One's Carrion the other! :-D

Mar 28, 2016 22:35:11 #

Photog21 Loc: Lombard, Il.

:thumbup:

Mar 28, 2016 23:16:14 #

Muddyvalley Loc: McMinnville, Oregon

I don't know anything about beetles, but I'd say you've got both sexes there. The last abdominal segments look distinctly different.The front wings or wing covers are longer on the beetle on top.
That would explain the pairing up. Maybe they are just dating. :-)

edit: found this: "Mating takes place in the spring or late winter. Males may remain piggy-back on the female long after mating has taken place."
http://mobugs.blogspot.com/2013/11/ridged-carrion-beetle.html

Mar 29, 2016 03:18:46 #