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Photo#727210
Ant mimic, possibly Cleridae, on pine bark - Enoclerus lecontei

Ant mimic, possibly Cleridae, on pine bark - Enoclerus lecontei
6 miles NW Lyons, Boulder County, Colorado, USA
July 10, 2012
Size: BL~6 mm
This tiny beetle was in the company of 3 or 4 similar sized ants. They all looked identical except that the beetle had a little white on it. These insects were running about on the bark of a fallen Ponderosa pine. Of the beetles I am familiar with, this beetle seems to resemble a clerid. Any help with be much appreciated.

Moved tentatively... very nice!! will seek expert review
Moved from ID Request.

 
ID confirmed by Jacques Rifkind:
"Looks indeed like E. lecontei. Nice pic!"

 
Enoclerus lecontei
Great to have this little beetle identified to species! I've been looking up info on it in some beetle books. To us it's fascinating that they are predators of bark beetles, the scourge of Colorado's coniferous forests. Thanks so much to you and to Jacques Rifkind for this identification.