Dacne californica

Fungus beetles

A member of the “pleasing fungus beetles” or the Erotylidae.

The name is derived (Latinized) from the Greek word erotulos, ἐρωτύλος
Meaning Little Darlings or Sweethearts — in some sort of a reference to the beauty of some gem stones.

In the case of our ‘Little Darlings’ the color scheme is described as ferrugineous and piceous. (Rusty and pitch colored.)

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As is common for a lot of beetles like this, these often play dead when disturbed.

 

 

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The images showing a scale bar are slightly flattened due to the weight of the scale. A microscope reticle was used in which 20 units is 1 mm.