Oak Cluster Beetle

Description

Brand new to the website, the Oak Cluster Beetle, Cibdelis sp., is a medium sized tenebrionidae family desert beetle that occurs in California. The textured surface of their abdomen is very reminiscent of Africa’s Radiant Sun Beetle (Prionotheca coronata…enjoy that rabbit hole on Google 😉 ). I was lucky enough to have one of those giants, once upon a time in the early days of the wild wild web! But I digress.

$5 each

Cibdelis has notable texturing on both the pronutum and abdomen, but they do not match. This is cool.

They also play dead very effectively, holding their legs close to their bodies and remaining motionless until perceived threats pass.

Finally, they have bright orange hairs (setae) lining their tarsal segments.

You can see photos of these physical characterists at the link below and we’ll upload photos soon.

More photos and info. at Bugguide.net.

AKA Daniel’s BSB until he comes up with a better common name.