We had two... - Dorcasina matthewsi

could you please try to take & post more pictures of it?

it would be nice to have good photos of this melanic form in thew Guide. thanks. =v=
Moved from ID Request.

… v belov, 19 July, 2011 - 11:02am

challenging shot; best guess, Dorcasina matthewsi

a rather melanic var.; need sharper dorsal to be sure.
book guides usually cover about 0.1% of insect species present in the area

… v belov, 18 July, 2011 - 9:39pm

Dorcasina matthewsi

We don't believe our 'bug' is the one you mention, as the markings on its shell are quite different than that which is shown in other photos of the Dorcasina matthewsi. Also, our bug does not have such long antennae. Still seeking its name. Also if it's a beneficial insect in the garden, or not.

thank you.

… kazooz, 18 July, 2011 - 10:31pm

Dorcasina matthewsi (LeConte, 1869)

This is a female specimen of this variable species. That explains the shorter antennae and the wider body. Everything else is indicative of this species. Most books would show the more typical color form and probably a male with its long antennae.

The beetles feed in Coast Redwood and Incense Cedar, and occur from coastal California to British Columbia. They've been recorded to visit various flowers, especially blackberry and the like.

… Dennis Haines, 19 July, 2011 - 10:23am

Good or bad?

Thanks so much Dennis for the info. Are these creatures GOOD for the garden or BAD for the garden?

… kazooz, 19 July, 2011 - 12:56pm

They have no impact on the ga

They have no impact on the garden other than as pollinators. They are native beetles who's larvae feed on dead wood in Coast Redwood.

… Dennis Haines, 19 July, 2011 - 1:36pm

we had two...

thanks, again, Dennis - - your info is spot on, and helps us decide what to do with her!
(the critter, that is).

… kazooz, 19 July, 2011 - 2:18pm

thanks again, Dennis

… v belov, 19 July, 2011 - 11:08am