The Desert Stink Beetle is a large, dull black darkling beetle famous for its defensive headstand posture — rearing its abdomen skyward to discharge a foul-smelling quinone spray at predators. It is a common sight on desert trails in the American Southwest, where it wanders actively in search of food. Its flightless, armored build is a superb adaptation to dry, sandy environments.
Best time to see a Desert Stink Beetle
The best time to see a Desert Stink Beetle is March–June, when about 64% of U.S. sightings happen, based on 4,730 research-grade iNaturalist observations.
Not certain it is a Desert Stink Beetle? What bug is this? walks through what to check first and the lookalikes that catch people out.
Recent Desert Stink Beetle sightings near you
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