# Dentate Stink Beetle (*Eleodes dentipes*) The Dentate Stink Beetle is a small, black beetle that can be found in many places. When threatened, it releases a smelly liquid to scare away predators. They are often seen in gardens and fields. - **Category:** [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/categories/insect) - **Rarity:** Common - **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low - **Snaps:** 1 - **Habitat:** Grasslands ![Dentate Stink Beetle](https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=Special:Redirect/file/Eleodes_dentipes-1.jpg&width=800) Photo: Eugene Zelenko, CC BY-SA 4.0 · [Wikimedia Commons](https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Eleodes_dentipes-1.jpg) ## Appearance The Dentate Stink Beetle is a robust, matte black insect up to 28mm long. It has distinct, tooth-like protuberances on its front legs, giving it its 'dentate' name. Its hard, fused wing covers make it appear flightless and give it a slightly bumpy texture, setting it apart from shiny flying beetles. ## Taxonomy - **Kingdom:** Animalia - **Phylum:** Arthropoda - **Class:** Insecta - **Order:** Coleoptera - **Family:** Tenebrionidae - **Genus:** Eleodes ## Interesting facts - Even though it has wing covers, most Dentate Stink Beetles cannot fly, they prefer to walk! - Its tough outer shell is like a suit of armor, protecting it from predators and harsh desert heat. - They can live for several years, slowly scavenging for food in tough desert environments! - When threatened, this beetle often does a headstand, making it look extra funny and ready to spray! ## Special abilities - **Defensive Odor Cloud:** Dentate Stink Beetle can spray a foul-smelling chemical cocktail because of specialized glands, helping them deter predators. - **Hardy Ground Dweller:** Dentate Stink Beetle has tough, fused wing covers that protect its body, allowing them to withstand harsh ground conditions. - **Grasping Power:** Dentate Stink Beetle has strong, toothed front legs that help them grip surfaces firmly and move through debris. ## Measurements & details - **Size:** 20-28 mm - **Lifespan:** 365-730 days - **Leg Count:** 6 ## Diet & Feeding This beetle is a tiny desert cleaner, munching on dead plants and organic bits. - **Primary Foods:** dead plant material, decaying leaves, fungi, seeds, small dead insects - **Foraging Method:** Foraging ## Ecological connections - **Eaten by:** [Greater Roadrunner](https://www.snappit.app/explore/greater-roadrunner) (*Geococcyx californianus*) — A common desert bird that often hunts ground insects. - **Eaten by:** [Collared Lizard](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collared-lizard) (*Crotaphytus collaris*) — A fast-moving lizard that preys on various insects. - **Eats:** [Creosote Bush](https://www.snappit.app/explore/creosote-bush) (*Larrea tridentata*) — Feeds on decaying leaves and plant matter from this common desert shrub. - **Eats:** Mojave Prickly Pear (*Opuntia phaeacantha*) — Consumes dead pads and decaying parts of this desert cactus. ## Traits - [Solitary](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/solitary): Solitary animals live alone for most of their lives, only interacting with others for mating or parental care. - [Scavenger](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/scavenger): Scavengers consume dead organic matter, helping to decompose carcasses and other waste in the ecosystem. - [Grassland](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/grassland): Grassland habitats are terrestrial biomes dominated by grasses and herbaceous plants, supporting a variety of grazing animals. - [Herbivorous](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/herbivorous): This trait characterizes organisms whose diet consists entirely or primarily of plant material. - [Decomposer](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/decomposer): Describes organisms that break down dead organic material, recycling nutrients back into the ecosystem. - [Miniature](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/miniature): Pertaining to species that are significantly smaller than typical or average for their kind. - [Pollinator](https://www.snappit.app/explore/traits/pollinator): Describes organisms that transfer pollen, enabling the fertilization and reproduction of plants. ## Collections - [Insects](https://www.snappit.app/explore/collections/insects) ## Safety **Danger:** 1/5 · Very low It's best to observe beetles from a distance and not touch them, as they can spray a smelly liquid. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### How to identify Dentate Stink Beetle? Look for hard wing covers meeting in a line down the back, then compare the antennae, body shape, legs and markings. Metallic colors shift a lot with lighting. Beetle Identifier: upload a photo and compare the visible details. ### How big is Dentate Stink Beetle? 20-28 mm ### How long does Dentate Stink Beetle live? 365-730 days ### What does Dentate Stink Beetle eat? This beetle is a tiny desert cleaner, munching on dead plants and organic bits. ### Where is Dentate Stink Beetle usually found? Grasslands ### How does Dentate Stink Beetle hunt? Foraging ### How many legs does Dentate Stink Beetle have? 6 ## Where to spot - [Colonel Allensworth State Historic Park](https://www.snappit.app/guides/places/colonel-allensworth-state-historic-park) — California, US · State Park ## More Insects - [Common Eastern Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/common-eastern-bumble-bee) (*Bombus impatiens*) - [Spotted Lanternfly](https://www.snappit.app/explore/spotted-lanternfly) (*Lycorma delicatula*) - [Brown-belted Bumble Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/brown-belted-bumble-bee) (*Bombus griseocollis*) - [Eastern Carpenter Bee](https://www.snappit.app/explore/eastern-carpenter-bee) (*Xylocopa virginica*) --- Source: [Dentate Stink Beetle: Facts & Places to See — Snappit](https://www.snappit.app/explore/dentate-stink-beetle)