Identification, Images, & Information
For Insects, Spiders & Their Kin
For the United States & Canada
Photo#78032
Trox unistriatus - Trox

Trox unistriatus - Trox
Chandler, Murray County, Minnesota, USA
May 31, 2006
Size: 6mm
This Hide Beetle was found on the siding of a friend's house. Identified as Trox unistriatus using Elizabeth S. and Lawrence S. Dillon's A Manual of Common Beetles of Eastern North America c. 1961. Picture is less than satisfactory, but just putting it up for data.

Size?
I believe T. unistriatus is usually between 9 & 12 mm in length, according to Downie & Arnett. This will probably be a different species if your length of 6 mm is correct.

Hi Michael,
Unless you use a closeup flash attachment, your camera's sensor will create a setting suitable for the average tone it sees, in this case a very pale greyish color. To get it to create settings that are right for a dark beetle such as this one, I've found the best way is to place the beetle (sans tag) against a same-tone background, which could be red, maroon, green, blue or a very dark grey. Give it a try and see how it works for you.