Tiny Flower Beetle - Brassicogethes simplipes Near Ruraldale, Upshur County, West Virginia, USA March 27, 2006 Size: 2.25 mm
Lots of these little black beetles were on coltsfoot blossoms, plunging their heads down deep into the flower.
So I asked myself, what beetle family feeds on flowers as adults, are tiny, and have clubbed antennae?
My first thoughts were Phalacridae (but mine isn't glossy like most), or maybe Nitidulidae or Dermestidae. The elytra seemed kind of squared off at the apex, allowing a little of the abdomen to show. One interesting trait was the flaring of the tibia on the middle and back legs.
ID help appreciated.
Images of this individual: tag all
Contributed by Stephen_WV on 28 March, 2006 - 5:34pm Last updated 1 May, 2009 - 11:11pm |