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Project Noah Nature School
Ocypus olens
This large, black insect was hiding among Earwigs with eggs. It was about 25 mm long. The second image shows the size comparison to an Earwig. This is a type of Rove Beetle.
Under a stone paver in a dark and damp area of the yard. This is an introduced species from Europe. They're found along the west coast of the US.
It's thought the introduction is to control the Brown Garden Snails that were also introduced from Europe. "Devil's footman, Devil's coachman and Devil's steed. In Irish, the beetle is called deargadaol ("Devil's beast"); "it is said that the Devil assumes the form of this beetle to eat sinners"." - Wikipedia
Spotted on Jul 25, 2012
Submitted on Jul 25, 2012
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