Ten-lined June Beetle

Description:

This beetle is large for beetles in this area, about 1.25 inches long. They average between .75 to 1.25 inches, (18-31 mm), long. I believe this is a female due to the lack of a large antenna. The male has a distinctly curved or fan like antenna. I love the markings on these beetles, black with white and a yellowish brown.

Habitat:

this one was found in July which is a very hot time of the year here. They are usually found in the foothills and mountains during spring and summer but the foothills are only a few miles away from this little lady. The Adults do fly at dusk & early evening with the males attracted to lights and the females usually staying high in pine trees. I have only found two of these at my home over the last 10 years and both were in the pine tree.

Notes:

When they are picked up they make a funny squeaking noise that I think comes from them rubbing their wing covers back and forth quickly.