What it looks like: These beetles are black with an orange or black pronotum. The frontal spot occupies about one third the space between the eyes. They can range from 12-17mm long.

Where you'll find it: These beetles are found in only a few localities in central and southern California.

Natural History: These beetles are known to be active in the mid to late spring. They are also considered a species of concern by the California Department of Fish and Game.

This page was written by Marina Herrera, a 2005 participant in the Quasars to Sea Stars teen program.