Harmless yet stinky, the Hermit Flower Beetle earned its name thanks to its quiet way of living, minding its own business without bothering anybody.
Black, textured, and glossy, Hermit Flower Beetles lack any spots or patterns that could give them a more interesting appearance, but they are content with that. Preferring to remain unnoticed, adults can be found visiting flowers. They have the ability to emit a noxious odor when frightened. The smell is difficult to describe, but definitely pungent and obvious. Those familiar with traditional tannery practices using tree bark (instead of modern chemicals) have likened it to smell creating when preparing leather. Adult Hermit Flower Beetles are attracted to lights at night.
Hermit Flower Beetle larvae are large, white grubs that reside inside dead or rotting wood and logs. They don't harm living, healthy trees; they only take advantage of the space created by dead/dying ones. This species helps break down dead tree tissue, making this small, recluse a great asset to the nutrient cycle.
Taxonomic Hierarchy
Kingdom:Animalia
Phylum:Arthropoda
Class:Insecta
Order:Coleoptera
Family:Scarabidae
Genus:Osmoderma
Species:eremicola
Identifying Information
Scientific Name: Osmoderma eremicola
Category:
Beetle
Size (Adult; Length): 25mm to 30mm (0.98in to 1.17in)
Colors: black, brown
Descriptors: flying, smelly, stinky, odor, large, dark
Note: An insect's reach is not limited by lines drawn on a map and therefore species may appear in areas, regions and/or states beyond those listed above as they are driven by environmental factors (such as climate change), available food supplies and mating patterns. Grayed-out selections indicate that the subject in question has not been reported in that particular territory. U.S. states and Canadian provinces / territories are clickable to their respective bug listings.
Beetle Anatomy
1
Antennae: Beetles have a pair of antennae on the head used as sensors.
2
Head: The head is home to the insect's eyes, antennae, and mandibles (jaws).
3
Thorax: Holds the three pairs of legs as well as vital internal organs.
4
Elytron: One of two wing cases on a Beetle that protects its wings (plural: elytra).
5
Wings: Appendages used for flying and kept under the elytra until needed.
6
Abdomen: Houses organs related to circulation, reproduction, and excretion.
7
Legs: Beetles have three pairs of legs located at the thorax, numbering six legs in all.
Colors: black, brown
