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Photo#386276
Large beetle wasp mimic  - Phodaga alticeps

Large beetle wasp mimic - Phodaga alticeps
Death Valley NP, Inyo County, California, USA
April 2, 2010
Size: est 3-3.5cm
Several of these beetles were in the Sand Dunes. They moved fast, and when a hand got near, or a shadow passed over, most of them would lift their elytra and abdomen to expose the red on their sides. They'd continue to walk like this for a few seconds.

Images of this individual: tag all
Large beetle wasp mimic  - Phodaga alticeps Large beetle wasp mimic  - Phodaga alticeps Large beetle wasp mimic  - Phodaga alticeps

Moved
Moved from ID Request.

 
now that makes sense -- thanks, Eric

size
3.5-4cm is huuge... are you sure about size? i can't imagine any sp. remotely that large

 
size
It was pretty big, but maybe more like 3-3.5cm.

 
not measured, then?
pls edit to add 'estimated' -- otherwise the data may be misleading

Epicauta of sorts

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