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Photo#151651
Trichotichnus dichrous

Trichotichnus dichrous
Rancocas Woods, Burlington County, New Jersey, USA
September 22, 2007
Size: Maybe around 3/4 inch
Close-up because I don't know anything about what is important in identifying a beetle.

Images of this individual: tag all
Trichotichnus dichrous Trichotichnus dichrous Trichotichnus dichrous

What to focus on when shooting beetles
Here's what Jim McClarin said on an earlier post:

"Pronotum and antennae are often diagnostic and underside views are needed in many cases. Of course most beetles are hesitant to roll over for an underside shot ;-)"

 
A close dorsal view of pronotum
may be the single most helpful ananatomic part to photograph for separating similar ground beetle species. Recognizing the size and pattern of punctures on the elytra is often critical but, unfortunately, usually too fine to see on distant field photographs. Close images of dorsal head hopefully will reveal, among other features, the pattern of setae (bristles) over eyes for separating tribes of ground beetle. Please also include good estimate of body length (mm scale best) and geographics (state, locality). Photographing undersides in the field is difficult and fail to show the very small diagnostic parts.
P.S. See my ID "Trichotichnus dichrous" linked to the habitus image.

 
Thanks, Peter
Excellent info.

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