Does anybody know what this is?
Dec 6, 2018 00:21:13 #
I found him on the side of the house this morning. Whatever it is, I've never seen one before.
Dec 6, 2018 05:44:52 #
Looks like it might be this:https://www.insectidentification.org/insect-description.asp?identification=Vietinghoffs-Ground-Beetle
Dec 6, 2018 07:48:46 #
It looks to be a Darkling beetle, family Tenebrionidae. I think the common name of this one is the 'diabolical ironclad beetle' (!) See http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/coleopt/Phloeodes.htm The name is b/c it is reeeallly hard to put a pin thru it in insect collections.
Dec 6, 2018 08:06:47 #
Dec 6, 2018 13:39:13 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
It looks to be a Darkling beetle, family Tenebrionidae. I think the common name of this one is the 'diabolical ironclad beetle' (!) See http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/coleopt/Phloeodes.htm The name is b/c it is reeeallly hard to put a pin thru it in insect collections.
A way around the pinning problem.
Wrap the head end of an appropriate sized insect pin with 1/2 inch or so tape to about 1/4 inch diameter. Using a fine file, sharpen to an acute angle, turn to give facets. This creates a cutting micro drill. Spin between fingers. Reason for this was so I could minutin pin mount two mm beetles. They crush too easily to push a pin thru. Once pin went thru body, repeat thru bottom. TEDIOUS??? And then some. Always got a kick out of showing those to someone. How the h-- can you work that small? Got asked that a lot. Then the lable.
Bill
Dec 6, 2018 21:19:24 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
It looks to be a Darkling beetle, family Tenebrionidae. I think the common name of this one is the 'diabolical ironclad beetle' (!) See http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/coleopt/Phloeodes.htm The name is b/c it is reeeallly hard to put a pin thru it in insect collections.
Could an alternative theory be possible in the common name?
These beetles inhabit arid areas. Could the thick exoskeleton be to reduce transpiration? Living long in a killing jar, because the spiricales close tightly for the same reason? I thought I caught a bit of toungue in cheek.
Many insects seem to live a long time under adverse conditions. I use isobutane to kill, or disable moths and delicate specimens. With a large moth, a soaking with isobutane will freeze it. Beetles went into alcohol. Tenebrionids seem to hold out the longest. Collecting at a carcass the specimens went into 50/50 dish soap and alcohol. Then into varsol. Then another dish soap rinse when clean and into a few alcohol changes and store in 70% ethyl. This process or grease ruins specimen and attracts dermestids. Some effort goes into collections even before cataloging can be done. Sippyjug(AKA Gary) and I are corresponding about mounting or preserving insects. I have been doing this a long time, and have done thousands. Preserved many more(in alcohol), and as enveloped dry spcimens. And enjoy sharing knowledge.
Have a good evening, all.
Bill
Dec 6, 2018 22:16:44 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
It looks to be a Darkling beetle, family Tenebrionidae. I think the common name of this one is the 'diabolical ironclad beetle' (!) See http://nathistoc.bio.uci.edu/coleopt/Phloeodes.htm The name is b/c it is reeeallly hard to put a pin thru it in insect collections.
Thank you for the ID, Mark.
Dec 7, 2018 06:38:15 #
I look at this dull lump and a question dawned on me.... what would it look like illuminated with a UV flashlight. Would it then glow in UV.
So dark and dull, it must spend it life hiding on the bark of trees. I looked at Mr. B reference and it is right on.
So dark and dull, it must spend it life hiding on the bark of trees. I looked at Mr. B reference and it is right on.
Dec 7, 2018 07:22:09 #
Dec 7, 2018 15:02:48 #
What a fantastic creature. Great shot, thanks for sharing and I hope to find one myself some day.
Dec 7, 2018 19:10:46 #
dpullum wrote:
I look at this dull lump and a question dawned on me.... what would it look like illuminated with a UV flashlight. Would it then glow in UV.
So dark and dull, it must spend it life hiding on the bark of trees. I looked at Mr. B reference and it is right on.
So dark and dull, it must spend it life hiding on the bark of trees. I looked at Mr. B reference and it is right on.
If it flouresced, it might look like the appended picture. Scorpions exhibit flouresence, but no insects, to my knowledge.
Bill
Dec 7, 2018 21:45:42 #
There are insects that flouresce under UV light, and other arthropods as well. But it is pretty much hit and miss.
Dec 8, 2018 02:07:52 #
Mark Sturtevant wrote:
There are insects that flouresce under UV light, and other arthropods as well. But it is pretty much hit and miss.
So far I found certain dragonflies, after they achieve the white waxy bloom.
Bill
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