These meloids are found in sandy desert areas and are flightless...but they're fast on their feet! Their elytra are inflated, fused and densely pitted. The black ground color is often covered outside the pits with what appears to be a powdery or waxy layer which can vary in color from white to yellow (or be absent). For more info see pg. 226 of Evans & Hogue(1)...or for even more detail check out this article.

Although they may appear homely and even grotesque at first sight...after watching them scuttle about for a while most people can't help but find them adorable :-)