Insects and Spiders - non-native

Devil's Coach Horse Beetle (Ocypus olens) on Sep 22, 2024

Submitter has sample

Description of specimen

There was a pair together but one disappeared before taking the photo about an inch long black large bug. Looked to possibly be mating and one took off fast.

Commentary

Thank you for your report! Yes, this is a European beetle established on the west coast of North America. They are not considered pests: they are predators, and they will eat other garden invertebrates that are often pests.

Tom Valente
Sept. 23, 2024, 2 a.m.