Desert Stink Beetle

The Desert Stink Beetle can secrete a foul-smelling odor if threatened - similar to the defense mechanism of a skunk.

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Image Credit: Paul H.

Full-sized image #1 of the Desert Stink Beetle

Thumbnail image #1 of the Desert Stink Beetle

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Image Credit: Julie P.

Full-sized image #2 of the Desert Stink Beetle

Thumbnail image #2 of the Desert Stink Beetle

TAXONOMY:

Kingdom: Animalia

Phylum: Arthropoda

Class: Insecta

Order: Coleoptera

Family: Tenebrionidae

Genus: Eleodes

Species: spp.

The Desert Stink Beetle is also known by the name(s) of: Head Stander Beetle; Skunk Beetle. The Desert Stink Beetle is typically 0.9 inches to 1.3 inches (25mm to 35mm) in size and has the following descriptors / identifiers: black; shiny; antenna; smell.

Color Identification Guide

Various colors commonly associated with this beetle.

Black

Beetle Anatomy

Sighting Guide (Jan-Dec)

The general likelihood of encountering this beetle based on a given month of the year in the United States.

JAN

FEB

MAR

APR

MAY

JUN

JUL

AUG

SEP

OCT

NOV

DEC

Territorial Area Map (Visual Reference Guide)

The map below showcases (in blue) the states and territories of North America where the Desert Stink Beetle may be found (but is not limited to). This sort of data can be useful in seeing concentrations of a particular species over the continent as well as revealing possible migratory patterns over a species' given lifespan. Some species are naturally confined by environment, weather, mating habits, food resources and the like while others see widespread expansion across most, or all, of North America.

Alaska

Hawaii

Prince Edward Is.

Canadian territory of New Brunswick graphic

Canadian territory of Newfoundland and Labrador graphic

Contiguous United States shape map layer graphic

Newfoundland and Labrador

Similar Beetles

Similar beetles to the Desert Stink Beetle that are associated with or commonly mistaken for...

Dentate Stink Beetle

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