Eleodes sp. - Circus or Stink Beetle

Adult: 15 -35mm.

Order Coleoptera/ Family Tenebrionidae - Darkling Beetles

These medium to large flightless beetles are probably as familiar to anyone as the "ladybug". The forms are numerous in California with approximately 80-100 species described but separation and identification of particular species is all but impossible. The tooth on the front legs is a feature common to many of the species and so must not be relied upon. The common names above are derived from the habit of many species to point their caudal ends skyward when disturbed. But contrary to common belief, they do not send out a cloud of noxious vapor. That trick belongs to the Bombardier Beetles of the genus Brachinus which belongs to the family Carabidae. Instead, the beetle just stands there in that amusing fashion until the danger passes, or if prodded or handled may exude a droplet of fluid from the caudal end. Reflexive bleeding from the joints, regurgitation and defecation are other chemical ways various arthropods will defend themselves. Regurgitation of "tobacco" juice is also used by the circus beetles and most other ground-dwelling Tenebrionids which will stain the fingers of the handler. The long and cylindrical larvae are heavily sclerotized, or armored, and live in or under rotten logs, leaf litter or similar situations where they feed on roots, fungi and other vegetable matter. They are often referred to as "false wireworms" by entomologists because of their resemblance to "wireworms" which are the larvae of the Elateridae, Click Beetles.