Friday Beetle Blogging: Edrotes Dune Beetle

Edrotes1

Edrotes ventricosus (Tenebrionidae) - Dune Beetle

California, USA

In arid environments around the world, darkling beetles in the family Tenebrionidae are among the most prominent insects.  Their thick, waxy cuticles excel at retaining moisture.  Edrotes ventricosus is a dune inhabitant in southern California.

Photo details: Canon MP-E 65mm 1-5x macro lens on a Canon EOS 20D

ISO 100, f/13, 1/250 sec, diffused twin flash

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Darkling... Sounds like the villains from a horror book.

This is a great shot! I especially like the lateral sideburns.