Andrew's Dune Scarab Beetles in Michigan - Ask Extension
Is there any significance to the Andrew's Dune Scarab Beetle being in Michigan? It is my understanding that they are located out west and in Mexico an...
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Andrew's Dune Scarab Beetles in Michigan #868976
Asked May 17, 2024, 11:39 PM EDT
Is there any significance to the Andrew's Dune Scarab Beetle being in Michigan? It is my understanding that they are located out west and in Mexico and that they do not migrate. Two of them were found in Gowen, Michigan on 5/17/2024.
Kent County Michigan
Expert Response
If it were an Andrew's Dune Scarab then it would be a significant find worth making note of. The picture you shared, however, is not one. That is a fairly common beetle for Michigan and the eastern United States called a goldsmith beetle: https://animaldiversity.org/accounts/Cotalpa_lanigera/
The Andrew's Dune Scarab has different coloration as well as a series of fine hairs found behind the pronotum and along the edges of the elytra. The goldsmith beetle has pale elytra and a golden pronotum, both without significant hair.
While not one of the endangered species from the west coast, this is a beautiful beetle worth taking pictures of for sure.
The Andrew's Dune Scarab has different coloration as well as a series of fine hairs found behind the pronotum and along the edges of the elytra. The goldsmith beetle has pale elytra and a golden pronotum, both without significant hair.
While not one of the endangered species from the west coast, this is a beautiful beetle worth taking pictures of for sure.
