I absolutely appreciate the ID to species, but I'm confused because the other images I see of this species are much lighter than mine. This was definitely a black beetle. Is that normal color variation? I've had several "off post" discussions with other BG'ers on how to get a decent photograph of a black insect, and would appreciate even more input on this topic. (hint, hint, nudge, nudge to others reading this!) :-)

This species cannot be confused with anything else in North America. The base color of this guy is usually a dull flat black, but many times they are covered in another critters body fluid, making them look shiny, or in dust and other debris from being under dead critters, causing them to look lighter, but still very easy to ID by sight alone.

I meant the image is dark, at least on my screen here, now that I have seen it on a better screen the species poked me in the eye.

Cheers