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Photo#636305
Egg Laying - Coleothorpa axillaris - female

Egg Laying - Coleothorpa axillaris - Female
Tucson, Rincon Foothills, Pima County, Arizona, USA
May 2, 2012
Size: 4mm
This small beetle was laying an egg on Penstemon in my garden. I wish there was more natural history info available for these guys on the web. Is the ID correct?

Images of this individual: tag all
Egg Laying - Coleothorpa axillaris - female Egg Laying - Coleothorpa axillaris - female

ID confirmed by Shawn M. Clark:
"I concur with the identification of Coleothorpa axillaris. Cryptocephaline chrysomelids in general (including Coleothorpa) lay their eggs in carefully sculpted packets formed from feces and abdominal secretions. If you look at the picture carefully, you will notice that the packet is attached to the substrate by a threadlike stalk."
fascinating... great behavior shot, Jan -- most enlightening. thanks!

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