Large Beetle - Zopherus nodulosus

Tami

We live on just over an acre in San Marcos, TX. We have close to 50 oak trees on our property and are battling oak wilt. We seem to have a whole colony of these things living in some of our trees. They can be seen on the porch, and they appear to be feeding on some of our younger oaks. The three trees I have seen them in have numerous bore hole and much damage to the bark. I have read on this site that these beetles feed on fungus, but I am wondering if they are boring into the tree....or do we have more than one bug type at work????

… rice1968, 21 May, 2007 - 1:05pm

the beetles

hi! i have been looking EVERYWHERE for the beeltes you have on your property. i have looked on almost every website looking for these beetles. you say you have alot? please contact me at redcurls1@gmail.please email me

… redcurls, 9 February, 2011 - 4:30pm

Hi Tami

Could you do me a favor and please contact me at jlynt10@hotmail.com. I have a question for you. Thank you so much!
Jessica

… jonahjess, 28 April, 2010 - 9:29am

I have read that they feed on lichens.

No doubt the trunks of the oak trees are covered in lichens. I doubt a zopherid would do any damage to a live tree. Most zopherid larvae live in dead wood I believe.

… Jim McClarin, 11 February, 2008 - 4:44am

Moved

Moved from Zopherus.

… john and jane balaban, 21 April, 2007 - 3:59pm

Range Map, plus...

Find a range map and other information here.

Mike Quinn, Austin

Texas Beetle Info
http://www.TexasEnto.net/beetles.htm

… Mike Quinn, 22 December, 2005 - 8:11am

Zopherus haldemani

Zopherus haldemani, an Ironclad Beetle. Usually considered a desert species—Just how dry is your part of Texas? Playing dead is the usual defense of this attractive beetle.

First photo for the guide—Thanks!

--Stephen

Stephen Cresswell
Buckhannon, WV
www.stephencresswell.com

… Stephen_WV, 21 June, 2005 - 4:57am

Ironclad Beetle

Thanks, Stephen. I had tried to find something like it on the site and couldn't. Why doesn't your ID extend to the other linked pics?

This was taken not far outside of Austin, and, even though the Pedernales River is less than 50 yards away, I'd say it gets pretty hot and dry.

… Brian Malow, 21 June, 2005 - 5:39am