Stink Beetle

picture number two shows, Stink Beetle (Eleodes) in Defensive Position .

Darkling Beetle (often called Stink Bug). This is the one that raises its tail when alarmed. Adults eat dead or live vegetation. I was surprised to learn that the pupae stage are called mealworms, which are reared commercially to feed birds, fish, and reptiles

Thanks so much Misako. I will update it accordingly!

Emma--I agree with Cindy and believe this is a stink beetle, Eleodes sp.

the Desert Stink bugs love doing head stands. if picture number 2 qualififies for a head stand then we might have a desert stink bug!!

http://arizonabeetlesbugsbirdsandmore.bl...
Cindy a great link on the Desert Stink Beetle.

I am wondering about the Habitat.
Thanks Cindy!You could very well be correct. I will read a little more just to make sure!

I hope I'm correct for the trees sake! Nice series by the way and good luck on the ID :)

Thanks Cindy. if it is a Desert Stink Beetle then it is good news!Thanks for the link.
The wood Borers are highly destructive! this one was busy foraging amongst the leaves under an oak tree.

This looks like a Desert Stink Beetle but I couldn't say which one. The current ID species has different antennae and the pronotum shapes are different. Check out this link and see what you think: http://bugguide.net/node/view/218/bgpage... Of course I'm no expert so I could be wrong :)

Thanks Maria,though not as attractive as the emerald Ash borer but equally destructive!!

That is really interesting information - Amazing that such a small insect can eventually seriously damage a tree