JUNE: Invertebrate of the Month

Desert stink beetle (Eleodes sp.)

As summer heats up, a slow-moving, shiny black beetle begins to steal the spotlight on trails and in garden beds. You may recognize this beetle by its behavior of raising its abdomen in the air if it feels threatened. This beetle is a type of darkling beetle that is also known by common names such as, skunk beetle, or the headstand beetle.

Most people take the hint before anything “bad” happens and leave the bug to continue along its way. And yes, it can release a foul-smelling chemical spray if it feels particularly cornered. This action is its defense against would-be threats and predators. Birds, reptiles, and mammals quickly learn to avoid that distinct posture. Despite their dramatic defenses, Desert Stink Beetles are harmless to humans. Their bold behavior makes them a great example of how insects adapt to survive in harsh conditions.

Adult Desert Stink Beetles typically measure between 1 to 1.5 inches in length. Their matte black exoskeleton blends in well with the areas soil and rocks, making them fairly easy to miss.

The lifecycle of Eleodes beetles begins underground. Females lay eggs in the soil, and the larvae live protected in the soil for several months, feeding on decaying plant matter and roots. After pupating, they emerge as adults, ready to stride into their role as decomposers.

These beetles are what is called detritivores, meaning they help clean up their environment by feeding on decomposing organic material. Their diet includes rotting leaves, seeds, and fungi. This makes them essential members of their ecosystem, especially in arid environments where nutrients are critical for plant growth.

As for shelter, Desert Stink Beetles prefer dry, sandy or rocky soil. During the heat of the day, they often take cover under logs, rocks, or in burrows dug by other animals, becoming more active during cooler hours like dawn and dusk.

These beetles might not be flashy, but they’re a fantastic reminder of the adaptations that help small creatures thrive in harsh conditions. From their slow-and-steady pace to their dramatic defense stance. So next time you see a beetle doing a headstand on the trail, give it a moment and give it some space, and appreciate the acrobatics of survival.