Goldsmith Beetle

One of my favorite submissions to the lab came in recently from Waupaca County, WI.  The species is known as the Goldsmith Beetle (Cotalpa lonigera).  It resembles a large May/June Beetle or the Grapevine Beetle.  The neat thing about this particular species is the brilliant metallic, golden color of the head and pronotum, which reminds me of the scarabs of ancient Egyptian lore.  It’s an uncommon species known from the eastern half of North America, and is apparently associated with woodlands.

Goldsmith Beetle (Cotalpa lanigera). Photo courtesy of Ken Erickson.
Goldsmith Beetle (Cotalpa lanigera).  Photo courtesy of Ken Erickson.