Louisiana might be known as the Sportsman’s Paradise, but did you know there are also many types of beetles in Louisiana?
Although these insects aren’t the most popular subjects, the state has a pretty impressive beetle population.
Infact one study even identified more than 1,300 species of beetles in Louisiana alone! So if you are interested in bugs, Here’s a quick guide to notable types of beetles in Louisiana and surrounding areas.
Though you may need to become more familiar with all the different beetle types in Louisiana because they can often seem impossible to identify, there are only two major types of beetles in Louisiana—beetle larvae and beetle adults—so your task isn’t as hard as it might seem!
The different species will differ based on size, coloration, and habitat. But they’re all generally identifiable by their hard outer shell, an exoskeleton.
1. Triceratops Beetle
Triceratops beetles, also known as Phileurus truncatus, are one of three species that make up the genus Phileurus. They can be found in various Louisiana regions, including Asia, Indonesia, and Australia.
These types of beetles in Louisiana can grow up to 2.5 inches long and have a black body with reddish tinges and dark brown elytra (wings). The males are more brightly colored than the females.
Like other beetles, these insects have six legs and antennae with a club at the end.
2. Spangled Flower Beetle
The Spangled Flower Beetle is a non-native species that has been spotted in Louisiana. It was originally found throughout Louisiana and parts of Asia.
But it has been spotted as far south as Texas and North Carolina. The beetle’s larvae feed on decaying fungi, and adults feed on nectar from flowers.
These types of beetles in Louisiana are black with orange spots, while their heads are covered with brownish spines.
3. Tormentose Burying Beetle
The name might sound like a big, scary beetle, but don’t worry – they’re actually harmless. These small types of beetles in Louisiana are typically brown or black and can be found under logs and stumps or in rotting wood.
They bury other insects, such as bees and wasps, and then lay their eggs nearby so that when their young hatch. They have a fresh meal waiting for them. Usually found on the East Coast of Louisiana.
These types of beetles in Louisiana are becoming rarer due to habitat loss. Therefore, they often live near oak trees because that is where they find their food source-mostly, carpenter ants.
If you’re looking for one of these types of beetles in Louisiana but need help finding it near an oak tree, don’t be discouraged!
4. Striped Cucumber Beetle
The striped cucumber beetle is native to Louisiana and is found in all states east of the Rockies. They are usually yellow-orange with black stripes running down their backs.
These types of species in Louisiana prefer cucumbers, melons, squash, gourds, watermelons, pumpkins, and other types of squash, as well as lettuce and spinach.
It can be identified by its elongated shape and a small projection on its head that looks like a cucumber seed or a horn.
The striped cucumber type of beetle in Louisiana lays eggs during late spring or early summer on leaves near plants it will feed on later.
The eggs hatch into larvae that feed on plants and then turn into pupae before finally emerging as adults.
5. Stag Beetle
The stag beetle is a type of beetle that’s native to Louisiana. It can be found in forests and woodlands, and throughout Louisiana.
These types of beetles in Louisiana have a brown head and abdomen, with black-and-white stripes on their elytra (the hard shell on their thorax). Its antennae are straight and thread-like, which are typically held up high.
So, male stag beetles have two small horns on the head that females don’t have. When male stag beetles compete for mates, they rub their heads together until one backs down or falls over from exhaustion.
One way to tell if you’ve found a female stag beetle is by looking at her leg. They’ll be yellowish or darker brown than her body.
6. Spotted Pink Lady Beetle
The Spotted Pink Lady Beetle are types of beetle in Louisiana that you may find in your backyard. It’s also one of only two lady beetle species that are native to Louisiana.
They’re often found near apple, cherry, and other fruit trees, as well as other plants like tomatoes and roses. The size ranges from 1/8 – 3/4.
Like other types of beetles in Louisiana, they have six legs and two antennae on their heads. The Spotted Pink Lady Beetle has a pink-colored shell that is typically mottled with black spots.
These spots are more apparent on its back end than its front end. There are some types of beetles in Louisiana that will look similar but will have red shells instead.
7. Larder Beetle
Larder beetles are darkling types of beetles in Louisiana that are typically found on stored animal products, such as hides and wool. They can be seen on larders, hence their name.
The term ‘larder’ refers to an area where food is stored, so these types of beetles could easily infest it. This insect has been known to eat through animal carcasses, feathers, and materials made from hair and leather.
Larder types of beetles in Louisiana are generally brown or black with a glossy appearance. They have wings that they use for flying and may grow up to one inch long.
8. Water Scavenger Beetle
Water scavenger types of beetles in Louisiana are small and have flattened, the oval-shaped body that is usually black or brown. The adults may be up to 1/4 inch long.
They are found near water sources, feeding on aquatic insects and other small invertebrates. The larvae live under stones, logs, or pieces of wood in standing water and emerge as adults when conditions are favorable.
9. Vivid Metallic Ground Beetle
The vivid Metallic Ground Beetle is an insect found in Louisiana. In Louisiana, this beetle is only found on a few small islands off the coast.
The Vivid Metallic Ground types of Beetles in Louisiana can be distinguished from other ground beetles because it has metallic blue or green coloration with wings that are also brightly colored.
So, they feed on plants and some types of fungi, as well as other insects. Vivid Metallic Ground Moth Beetles fly at night and are attracted to light but should not be confused with fireflies which are different insects altogether.
10. Weevil
Weevils are small beetles that belong to a family called Curculionidae. There are over 40,000 different species of weevil types of Beetles in Louisiana and around the world.
They come in various colors and sizes and can be found on every continent except Antarctica.
Weevil larvae or grubs can be found under rocks or logs and are often camouflaged by their surroundings.
Adults mostly feed on seeds, leaves, grain, or plant bulbs, while larvae prefer decaying plant material.
11. Water Penny (Psephenus spp.)
These beetles are small, flat, and brown. They are often found near water sources.
Members of this genus are abundant throughout Louisiana and can be found on every continent except for Antarctica.
The larvae types of Beetles in Louisiana live underwater, feeding on algae and other organic matter that accumulates on submerged surfaces like rocks or leaves.
12. White Oak Borer Beetle
The White Oak Borer Beetle is a species native to North America. It is typically found on white oak trees, although it will feed on other oak types.
The White Oak Borer types of Beetles in Louisiana live for about four years and can reach about one inch in length. These types of beetles in Louisiana have a brown head and thorax with a black abdomen.
The larvae feed on oak trees by burrowing into the tree’s bark layer and tunneling down into the phloem tissue.
They attack the phloem by secreting enzymes that break down cellulose and lignin, which are major components of plant cell walls.
13. Large Rove Beetle
The Large Rove Beetle is one of the most common types of beetles in Louisiana. They are usually brown, gray, or black, with a few yellow and orange markings on their back.
Rove types of beetles in Louisiana are small enough to be confused for ants but can be identified by their antennae which are longer than their body.
These beetles eat other insects and their larvae and live primarily under logs, rocks, leaf litter, and other debris near the ground.
14. Larger Elm Leaf Beetle
Louisiana is home to many different types of beetles and insects. One such beetle is the Larger Elm Leaf Beetle, or Monocesta coryli.
These types of beetles in Louisiana can be found living in various habitats across North America. But prefers living and feeding on larger elm leaves.
The Larger Elm Leaf types of beetles in Louisiana are brownish-red in color with black stripes. They are also small beetles (less than 1/4 inch long), making them difficult to spot.
So they often go unnoticed until it’s too late. The larvae of this beetle will feed on the leaves before pupating under them and becoming adults that fly off into another location for mating purposes.
15. Linden Borer Beetle
Saperda vestita is a species of beetle that is found in Louisiana. They are often mistaken for long-horned types of beetles in Louisiana.
But they are actually a type of ground beetle. These beetles are yellow-brown and have a black head with white markings on their prothorax (the first segment behind the head).
These types of beetles in Louisiana live underground and feed on roots or wood near the surface. Adults can be seen from May through October and eat plants such as clover, alfalfa, lettuce, beans, peas, peppermint, and dandelions.
The best way to get rid of these beetles is by removing them from your garden (killing their larvae) or spraying insecticides at night when they feed.
16. Locust Borer Beetle
The Locust Borer Beetle is a type of wood-boring types of beetle in Louisiana. They are found in North America and can be found mostly on locust trees.
The adults are black with orange or yellow stripes on their bodies, while the larvae are white with a black head and brown shell.
Larvae bore through the bark and into the sapwood, creating galleries and feeding on starch, gum, and other resins.
The females lay eggs at the end of these tunnels, which hatch into larvae that continue boring through the wood for about two years before pupating inside a cocoon underneath bark or soil for about one year before emerging as adults.
These beetles can cause significant damage to trees by weakening them over time and eventually killing them if not dealt with quickly enough.
17. Long-Horned Beetle
The Long-Horned beetles are a type of beetle in Louisiana that can range from tan to dark brown. They are often found on flowers or around fruits like apples and pears, where they eat fungi and rotting fruit.
It’s one of the most common types of beetle in Louisiana because it can be found on plants all year round.
Other types include the Broad-Banded Cucumber, which has a green body with white stripes, and the Citrus Long-Horned type of Beetle in Louisiana, which has orange wings.
18. Luminescent Click Beetle
The Luminescent Click Beetle, also known as the Deilelater physoderus, is one of two click beetles native to Louisiana.
It is a small beetle that can grow up to 1.25 inches long and lives in moist environments such as rotting logs and leaves.
The luminescent click is one of the types of beetle in Louisiana that gets its name from its ability to create light by rubbing its abdomen against its elytra; this creates a light that can be seen from up to 30 feet away. This species was originally thought extinct until it was rediscovered in 1976.
19. Long-jointed Beetle
The Long-jointed Beetle are green types of Beetles in Louisiana that can grow up to 2 cm long. Its body is oval-shaped, and its head and thorax have reddish-brown markings.
The larvae are grub-like, white with brown heads, and feed on rotting wood. Adults live for about one year. They are active during the day but hide under bark or fallen leaves at night.
20. Margined Blister Beetle
The Margined Blister Beetle, also known as Epicauta funebris, is a blister beetle species found throughout Louisiana and Central America. They are oval and elongated with a mostly black body with an orange-colored margin.
These blister beetles in Louisiana are characterized by their long antennae, which can grow up to two inches.
The Marginated Blister Beetle is an active predator that feeds primarily on spiders and other insects. The larvae of this species feed on the decomposing matter or live plants while they are in their larval stage.
21. Margined Burying Beetle
The Margined Burying Beetle (Nicrophorus marginatus) is a dung beetle species in the Nicrophorus family.
This species has been found on every continent except Antarctica. They are often found near cattle or horse pastures, preferring areas with large quantities of fresh dung.
These beetles can be seen laying eggs, burying, and even consuming dung. The adults are about 2-3 cm long and black with white markings on their heads and thoraxes.
They have soft black wings that cover their backs from head to tail when they fly away from the burrow after burying a fresh dung patty.
22. Margined Leatherwing Beetle
The Margined Leatherwing Beetle has a dark metallic green, black, and reddish brown coloration. The underside is yellowish-white with dark markings.
The Margined Leatherwing types of Beetles in Louisiana can be found throughout North America. It prefers wet forests and floodplains where they feed on dead or dying trees. They are most active during summer when they mate and lay eggs.
23. Metallic Wood-boring Beetle
Metallic Wood-boring Beetle: Chalcophora fortis (commonly called a metallic wood-boring beetle) is a small, black, and gold beetle that can be found throughout much of Louisiana.
These types of beetles in Louisiana feed on dead or dying trees, making them important for natural tree management.
The larvae are also predatory, feeding on other insects such as termites. This species is most common during late summer and fall when they seek mates and lay eggs inside the bark of trees.
24. Mottled Tortoise Beetle
The mottled Tortoise Beetle is a small, dark brown beetle with a yellow-orange or copper-colored spot on each wing.
The larvae are dark brown and flattened, with tiny hairs that give them a velvety appearance. Mottled Tortoise types of Beetles in Louisiana can be found at night flying around flowers and shrubs.
They will also fly onto nearby objects to rest, such as walls or tree trunks. They will hide under rocks, wood piles, or other objects in the daytime until night falls again.
25. Net-winged Beetle
The Net-winged types of Beetles in Louisiana (Calopteron terminale) are beautiful, metallic beetles that can be found throughout Louisiana. They are often seen on flowers, where they drink nectar and lay eggs.
Adults consume pollen, while larvae feed on decaying organic matter. The Net-winged Beetle’s name comes from its distinctive wing pattern and net-like mesh appearance.
They are called net-winged because their wings form a regular network pattern when viewed under magnification.
26. Notch-tipped Flower LonghornBeetle
The Notch-tipped Flower Longhorn Beetle, or Typocerus sinuatus, is a type of beetle that can be found in Louisiana. They can be identified by their long antennae and their notched tips.
These types of beetles in Louisiana are black with white markings on their wings. They feed on plants such as cottonwood trees and will also eat flowers if they are available.
The larvae do most of the damage because they bore into dead trees where there are many types of insects that they feed on.
Adult beetles will also lay eggs inside living trees or logs where they know there is plenty for their young to eat.
27. Notched-mouth GroundBeetle
The Notched-mouth Ground Beetle (Dicaelus purpuratus) is a type of beetle that can be found in many different habitats across Louisiana.
These types of beetles in Louisiana are typically brown and black, with yellow bands on their antennae. They are ground dwellers, which means they live under logs and stones and only come out at night to feed.
One of the most distinguishing features of this species is the notch on their mouthparts.
28. Oak Timberworm Weevil
Oak Timber Worms are one of Louisiana’s most common types of beetles. They are usually seen during the spring and summer months and can be identified by their long, narrow bodies.
The Oak Timberworm is a beneficial species for oak forests because it will feed on oak leaves that other pests have killed.
This feeding behavior will help disperse nutrients throughout the forest and provide food for other insects that live there.
29. Palmetto Weevil
The Palmetto Weevil is a small, black beetle with red elytra. It has stout legs and antennae and is about 1/4 inch long.
These types of Beetles in Louisiana have no functional wings, so they cannot fly, but it does have strong mandibles that enable them to create galleries under palmetto trees for shelter.
The Palmetto Weevil is found mostly in Louisiana but can also be found in parts of Alabama, Mississippi, South Carolina, and Texas.
The larvae will feed on the roots of plants close by before pupating into adults at around 7 months old.
30. Pennsylvania Firefly
The Pennsylvania Firefly, also known as Photuris Pennsylvania, is a species of firefly native to Pennsylvania and its surrounding states. This firefly species is relatively small, and its body measures 1/2 inch long.
They are usually tan or yellow with brown stripes on their thoraxes. Male Pennsylvanian Fireflies types of Beetles in Louisiana are distinguished by the brighter lights they use to attract mates at night.
Females emit light from a single point below their abdomen, and males from three points on the ventral surface of their abdomen.
Pennsylvania Fireflies types of Beetles in Louisiana can be found in woodlands near wetlands or rivers. But they may also be seen near urban areas with large gardens and green spaces for them to breed.
31. Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle
The Pennsylvania Leatherwing Beetle is a large, flightless insect that lives in wetland habitats. It is black with white stripes on its wings and has a tan head and thorax.
These types of Beetles in Louisiana can be found throughout the Louisiana eastern half of North America.
The larvae live near logs, branches, or other woody debris. They are brownish-black with dark hair tufts along their body.
These types of beetles in Louisiana feed on slugs, snails, earthworms, and other soft-bodied invertebrates that they find within these wetland habitats.
32. Pigweed Flea Beetle
The pigweed flea beetle is a narrow black beetle less than 1/4 inch long. They have a white spot on their head and are often found feeding on weed roots.
They feed only on plants that belong to the Asteraceae family, which includes ragweed, dandelion, and wild lettuce. The larva has a soft body with bristly hair all over it.
It often prefers to live underground, feeding on plant roots before pupating and emerging as an adult type of Beetle in Louisiana.
The adult beetles are active from April through October or November, depending on latitude and elevation. The females can lay up to 300 eggs during this period at intervals of 5-10 days.
33. Pink Spotted Lady Beetle
The pink-spotted lady beetle is a type of beetle that is native to North America. It is one of the most common types of Beetle in Louisiana and has been introduced to many other places worldwide.
They are abundant in fields, gardens, and yards and prey on aphids and other plant-eating pests. The adults are about two millimeters long with a silver oval shape with black spots; these spots may be pink or yellow.
The eggs look like tiny grains of rice and hatch within a few days into larvae that are similar but smaller than the adults.
These larvae feed for about 10 days before pupating for three weeks until becoming an adult type of beetle in Louisiana.
34. Pleadings Beetle
The Pleasing Fungus Beetle is a common type of Beetle in Louisiana. They are small and have yellow/brown bodies with brown heads.
So, they can be found mostly on dead or dying trees, but they also love fermenting fruit and fungus. The Pleasing Fungus Beetle is nocturnal, which means they are active at night.
Males are attracted to females by their scent and will follow it until they find them. Once they do find the female, they’ll climb onto her back and stay there for a while before mating.
Females lay eggs on rotting wood, where they will hatch into larvae. Then eat wood fungi that grow on the wood, decaying bark, and tree roots.
35. Plum Curculio
Plum Curculio, also known as Conotrachelus nenuphar, is a beetle that feeds on plum and cherry trees. Plum Curculio adults are dark brown, 3/8 inch long, with a curved snout.
The larvae types of Beetles in Louisiana are yellowish-white, 1/4 inch long, and cylindrical with a brown head capsule. Larvae feed underneath the bark or on buried nuts or fruit.
They pupate at the base of tree trunks during late summer in compacted soil or under loose bark scales, where they overwinter as adults emerge early in spring.
36. Poplar Borer Beetle
The Poplar Borer Beetle is a small, dark-colored beetle that feeds on poplar trees. They are typically found under the bark, where they lay their eggs.
The larva will then hatch and feed on the tree for about two years before pupating and emerging as an adult beetle.
These types of beetles in Louisiana species can often be found near lakes or other bodies of water.
37. Predaceous Diving Beetle
Predaceous Diving types of Beetles in Louisiana are found mainly in wetlands and other swampy regions. They are black, with a scaly body and six pairs of legs.
Although, these beetles can be distinguished from other diving beetle species by their long antennae and sharp mandibles. They feed on aquatic insects that live on or near the water’s surface.
When a Predaceous Diving Beetle finds prey, it will dive underneath the surface for up to thirty seconds before reappearing with its meal.
38. Pustulated Carrion Beetle
The Postulated Carrion Beetle is a type of beetle that can be found throughout Louisiana. The Postulated Carrion Beetle is a member of the family Silphidae, which also includes burying beetles.
Like other beetles in its family, these types of beetles in Louisiana can be found on carrion and will actually bury small dead animals.
Sometimes, It does this by rolling over them with its forelegs and then covering them with soil or sand. This beetle is usually black but can have a red-orange head and pincers.
39. Rainbow Darkling Beetle
The most common beetle found in Louisiana is the Rainbow Darkling Beetle, which is also known as Tarpela micans. This beetle is black with yellow or green stripes that run across its back.
It prefers moist habitats, so it can be seen under leaves and logs that are sitting on top of wet soil. These beetles are about 3/4 inch long and 1/2 inch wide at their widest point.
They can be found anywhere from Louisiana all the way to Texas and from Maine down to Florida.
40. Rainbow Scarab Beetle
The rainbow scarab beetle is found in various colors, but its most common colors are black and yellow. They can be seen on flowers, leaves, and tree bark.
The larvae feed on decaying organic material such as flowers and vegetables. This beautiful insect is a favorite among naturalists because it’s easy to spot and fairly harmless.
They can be seen crawling around in gardens or on sidewalks throughout Louisiana. These Scarab Beetle types of Beetles in Louisiana belong to the family Scarabaeidae; they are noted for their distinctive shape, which is reminiscent of an old-fashioned football with points at both ends.
These types of beetles in Louisiana are one of the largest families within this group. There are more than 10,000 species worldwide, with about half living in North America north of Mexico.
41. Red Flat Bark Beetle
The red flat bark beetle, also known as the southern pine beetle, is a type of blackish-red beetle that grows up to 2.5 centimeters long. It can be identified by its three pairs of wings covering most of its abdomen and transparent body.
The larvae are typically found on pine trees and are cylindrical with brown heads and orange legs. They produce a pheromone that attracts other beetles for mating and feeding purposes.
The adults feed on sap from various trees, like elms, maples, birches, willows, poplars, oaks, and others. They are most active during summer months when they mate after tree sap flow slows down in late July or early August.
42. Red-Headed Ash Borer
Louisiana is home to more than 1,500 species of beetles. Insects are diverse and abundant, with examples found on every continent except Antarctica.
Insects can be classified by their structure and diet; beetles are one type of insect that belongs to the order of Coleoptera (sheathed wings). Beetles may be distinguished by their size, shape, or coloration.
The red-headed ash borer beetle is one example of a beetle found in Louisiana. They have an orange head and thorax, black elytra (wing coverings), and bright red abdomen with six white stripes.
They are considered a pest because they attack trees such as ash, oak, willow, and elm.
43. Red Milkweed Beetle
The Red Milkweed Beetle, also known as a Milkweed Leaf Beetle, is native to North America. They are found in Louisiana and the United States, with their range extending from British Columbia, Montana, and Wyoming all the way down to Texas.
They can also be found along the Pacific coast of California and Oregon. These types of Beetles in Louisiana get their name from their habitat, where they feed on milkweed plants.
The Red Milkweed Beetle has a length ranging from 2-3 cm, while its body is usually covered with red scales due to a symbiotic relationship with algae that lives on its skin.
44. Rhinoceros Beetle
The Rhinoceros Beetle is one of the largest beetles found in Louisiana and can grow up to 4 inches long.
They are often mistaken for a type of roach but are actually beetles. They have an elongated bodies with short legs and antennae that resemble antlers.
They can be found on plants or the ground under leaves and logs during the day, where they will hide from predators. You might find them near swamps, ponds, or other wet areas in New Orleans.
45. Redbud Borer Beetle
The Redbud Borer Beetle (Ptosima gibbicollis) is a small, brown beetle that feeds on plants and trees. The larvae of these types of beetles in Louisiana burrow into the roots, shoots, and trunks of living plants.
This is a serious pest for small fruit orchards and nurseries. There are no known natural enemies for this beetle.
Therefore, hand-picking may be an option if the infestation is light. For heavier infestations, insecticides can be used.
So, one problem with using insecticides is they will also kill beneficial insects like ladybugs, parasitic wasps, and other pollinators.
The best control measure for larger infestations is cutting out infested plants as soon as possible before the larvae do too much damage.
46. Round-headed Apple Tree Borer
One beetle commonly found in Louisiana is the round-headed apple tree borer (Saperda candida). This type of beetle can be found at low levels throughout Louisiana, but it is especially prevalent in areas where apples are grown.
This beetle will burrow into trees and feed on its internal tissues. They are also known to attack other fruit trees and ornamental plants.
The round-headed apple tree borer has a distinctive dark body with a light-colored head and legs. Other beetles found in Louisiana include Japanese beetles and elm leaf beetles, which were introduced from Asia and have since become established throughout Louisiana.
47. Seven-spotted Lady Beetle
The Seven-spotted Lady Beetle is named for its seven black spots on a yellow body. They are about 3/8 inch long and 1/4 inch wide.
A common beetle found in gardens, yards, and parks, this insect is often mistaken for other lady beetles.
The Seven-spotted Lady types of Beetles in Louisiana feed on aphids, scale insects, and mealybugs. It can be found from May through September all over Louisiana states.
48. Shining Leaf Chafer
A chafer beetle is any member of the scarab family, Lepidoptera: Coccinellidae and Scarabaeidae. Shining leaf chafers are a species found only in Louisiana.
They are large beetles with black bodies, red wings, and white stripes on their abdomens. The name chafer comes from their habit of feeding on leaves and grasses.
So, There are three subspecies types of Beetles in Louisiana that can be found. The first subspecies is Anomala spp. (Anomala spp.). These shining leaf chafers live in various habitats throughout Louisiana.
49. Signate Lady Beetle
Lady beetles are a type of beetle that feeds on other small insects. They’re highly beneficial for farmers because they can help control populations of pests like aphids and scale insects, which can damage crops.
There are many different types of lady beetles, but one common species is the signate lady beetle (Hyperaspis signata).
This species is usually dark brown or black with red or orange markings on its wing cases. Lady types of beetles in Louisiana are often called ladybugs, but this nickname is also used for different types of beetles in Louisiana.
50. Woodland Ground Beetle
Woodland ground beetles are found throughout Louisiana but are most common in moist wooded areas. The adults range from 2-6mm long and have very short elytra with spots or stripes on their dorsal surface.
Larvae are oval-shaped and range from 4-8mm. The larvae eat rotting wood and its flesh, while adults feed on a wide variety of foods, including rotting fruit, carrion, fungi, flowers, and tree sap.
Woodland ground types of beetles in Louisiana can be distinguished from other related species by examining their dorsal surface for spots or stripes that vary between individuals.
Woodland ground beetles are important members of many ecosystems as both adults and larval stages feed on organisms that would otherwise cause more harm than good.
51. White-spotted Sawyer Beetle
The white-spotted sawyer beetle is common on window sills and house walls. The beetles are often seen crawling up vertical surfaces such as walls or trees but can also be found crawling on the ground.
They are typically brown with white spots but range from dark red to black. It’s easy to identify these types of beetles in Louisiana by their flattened body shape and elongated antennae.
52. Cottonwood Leaf Beetle
The Cottonwood Leaf Beetle is a small, metallic green or bronze-colored insect. The adult beetle is 2mm-2.5mm long and has short antennae.
They are commonly seen on cottonwood trees but can also be found on ash, elm trees, and other plants. These types of beetles in Louisiana will eat various plants and leaves and can cause significant damage if there is an infestation.
So, They lay their eggs on the branches and leaves of their food source, where they will hatch into larvae that feed off the plant’s tissue until they form pupae which will then turn into adults, laying more eggs before dying.
When these beetles in Louisiana are spotted, it is important to take action immediately because they reproduce quickly.
53. Hardwood Stump Borer Beetle
The Hardwood Stump Borer Beetle, also known as Mallodon dasystomus, is a black beetle found in parts of Louisiana. It is a member of the family Cerambycidae, which is often called the longhorn beetle.
This particular beetle can be identified by its long antennae and long mandibles that are used for chewing up rotting logs and stumps. The larvae are grub-like and brownish-gray with white spots on their sides.
They feed on a fungus found within rotting wood for about two years before emerging as adult types of beetles in Louisiana.
54. Harlequin Flower
The harlequin flower beetle is native to Louisiana. It can be found in forests, meadows, and old fields, but not many other habitats.
This beetle is a type of ground beetle that prefers moist soil. The adults are black with white spots on their wing covers, while the larvae are yellowish-red with black spots on each side of their bodies.
So, This insect is harmless to humans, and it may be beneficial. Because it eats many types of Beetles in Louisiana that damage crops such as cucumbers, squash, beans, corn, tomatoes, okra, cottonseed meal, and soybeans.
55. Horned Passalus Beetle
Horned Passalus Beetle (Odontotaenius disjunctus) This beetle is found throughout Louisiana but is most common in the southeastern part of the state.
The horned passalus beetle has a brownish-black body with irregular white markings and a unique horn on its head.
They are often found on flowers and shrubs, where they feed on pollen and nectar. While not dangerous to humans, these types of beetles in Louisiana are agricultural pests that can be destructive to crops like cotton, soybeans, tomatoes, corn, and many others.
56. Horse-bean Longhorn Beetle
The most common beetles found in Louisiana are the Horse-bean Longhorn beetle (Trachyderes mandibularis) and the Ground Beetle (Carabidae).
Both types of beetles in Louisiana lay their eggs on plants and other vegetation, but they have different preferences.
Horse-bean Longhorn beetles prefer to lay their eggs on beans, peas, corn, potatoes, and sunflowers. Ground beetles prefer more woody plants like roses or oaks.
If a ground beetle is found near your garden, it’s a good idea to inspect for larvae that can devour your vegetables!
57. Dark Brown Click Beetle
Many types of beetles in Louisiana are beneficial because they eat other insects that cause damage or transmit disease.
They also play an important role as scavengers by decomposing organic matter and recycling nutrients into the soil.
Click beetles are a type of beetle that is common in Louisiana. These beetles measure about 3/8ths of an inch long with a long antenna.
Click beetles are nocturnal, meaning they come out at night and spend most of their time burrowed down under leaves or barking when daylight is outside.
Adults feed on flower nectar, fruit juices, tree sap, fungi, and honeydew from aphids and scale insects.
58. Darkling Beetle
Darkling beetles are a diverse group that includes several different species. They are also known as false darkling beetles and can be found throughout Louisiana, Central America, and South America.
Darkling types of beetles in Louisiana are most notable for their shiny, jet-black bodies with small white dots on their wing covers. They are most active at night but can also be seen during daylight hours.
So, Darkling types of beetles in Louisiana eat dead plants, animal dung, or decaying plant matter. Some adults prey upon other insects like aphids and ground beetles.
Females lay eggs either singly or in clusters near food sources for their young to find when they hatch.
Eggs take about three weeks before they hatch into larvae. Larvae pupate underground and emerge from their pupa after two weeks as adults.
59. Drugstore Beetle
Like other beetles, the Drugstore Beetle is a member of the Coleoptera order. The most notable identifying feature is that it has no wings and is covered with setae (hairs).
Sometimes, the female beetle’s body ranges from 6-12 mm, while males are typically smaller than females and can be as small as 3 mm.
The beetle also has a brown thorax with orange or yellow markings on its wing covers, which helps distinguish it from other beetles in its genus.
Female beetles will lay eggs on food material before they die. They eat their way through when they hatch and eventually pupate into adults. This process generally takes two to four weeks, depending on temperature and humidity levels.
60. Dogbane Leaf Beetle
Many are unaware that Louisiana has more than one type of beetle. For example, the Dogbane Leaf Beetle (Chrysochus auratus).
These types of beetles in Louisiana are mostly black with white markings on their elytra and have a metallic sheen.
So, the males have a long point at the end of their abdomen, which can be seen from some angles. The female Dogbane Leaf Beetles do not have this point and instead only have white spots on their back.
Sometimes, The male’s antennae are longer than the female’s and curve inward before bending outward near their ends.
Lastly, these beetles can be found all over Louisiana, Central America, South America, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
61. Dung Beetle
Dung beetles are a type of dung beetle that is found in Louisiana. In particular, there are two species: Dichotomius brevipennis and Dichotomous spp.
Dichotomius brevipennis is typically found only west and southwest of the Mississippi River. While Dichotomius spp. can be found all across Louisiana.
These beetles help keep many ecosystems healthy by recycling nutrients from dung back into the environment for plants to use as fertilizer.
One way they do this is by burying dung under soil or sand so it will decompose instead of being eaten by animals that live on land, such as coyotes, foxes, deer, and raccoons.
62. Earth-boring Scarab Beetle
The earth-boring scarab beetles, or weevils, are a family of beetles in the order of Coleoptera. They have large heads and slender bodies.
The adults are often brightly colored and may be mistaken for wasps or bees. One type is Bolbocerasoma sp., which is found throughout Louisiana, Europe, Africa, and Asia.
But, It has many different habitats but prefers moist soil with few rocks or other obstacles that could interfere with its burrowing activities.
63. Eastern Eyed Click Beetle
The eastern-eyed click beetle is a rather small one, with adults growing up only about 1/8th of an inch long. They are typically dark brown or black, with yellowish markings on their thorax and head.
The beetles are click beetles because they have special auditory organs called tympanal organs on their abdomen that allow them to make clicking sounds. These clicks can be used for communication among other members of their species.
64. Eastern Hercules Beetle
The Eastern Hercules Beetle is one of the largest beetles in Louisiana. They are often called The King because they can grow up to two inches long and weigh up to an ounce.
The Eastern Hercules types of Beetles in Louisiana are found mostly in eastern states, but they can also be found as far west as Kansas. They are most commonly found in moist habitats like marshes, bogs, and wet woods.
They feed on decaying wood from dead trees and other plants that have been submerged in water. The adults will eat fruit (especially apples) if they can find it.
65. Eggplant Flea Beetle
Eggplant Flea Beetles are usually about 1/4-1/2 inches long and dark brown or black. This beetle is also known as Epitrix fuscula.
The Eggplant Flea types of Beetles in Louisiana, like other flea beetles, feed on plants by chewing small holes in leaves and stems.
The damage caused by this insect can be reduced by spraying them off plants with water before they can feed on them.
66. Elderberry Borer Beetle
The Elderberry Borer Beetle is a type of beetle that is native to North America. It has been spotted throughout Louisiana and can be found in states like Alabama, Indiana, Mississippi, Missouri, and Tennessee.
But they are especially found in Louisiana. Elderberry Borer types of Beetles in Louisiana are usually shiny black or dark brown with a yellow-orange coloring on their wings.
They measure about 3/4 long and have no visible mouthparts or antennae due to their narrow body shape.
The female elderberry borer beetle lays eggs on trees during late summer and early fall when the tree’s leaves start changing colors from green to red, yellows, and oranges.
67. Emerald Euphoria Beetle
Emerald Euphoria Beetles are found on various host plants but prefer oak trees. While they’re not as common as some other types of beetles in Louisiana, they’re fairly distinctive due to their bright green color.
The larvae of these beetles are known for their voracious appetite and can consume up to 1/3rd of their body weight at one time. They also have a long lifespan, living around two years.
68. European Ground Beetle
The European Ground Beetle is a medium-sized beetle that can be found on both sides of the Atlantic Ocean. They are often seen feeding on dung and are usually either black or dark brown with a bluish sheen.
They feed by gouging out cylindrical sections from dung balls, which they use as food for their larvae. The female digs a burrow up to 20 centimeters deep in which it lays its eggs.
However, the male flies around until he finds a female who has laid her eggs and mates with her there. The male then guards the burrow while she lays more eggs and cares for them before they hatch into larvae and pupate
69. False Bombardier Beetle
False bombardier beetles are small, brownish-black insects that live in moist environments. They are often mistaken for other bugs and even roaches.
False bombardier types of beetles in Louisiana feed on decomposing plant matter and grubs that live near the soil’s surface.
One defense mechanism is when it feels threatened and releases a chemical spray from its rear end that causes a burning sensation if humans or animals contact it.
67. False Potato Beetle
The false potato beetle is a common pest found throughout Louisiana, but it is especially prevalent in Louisiana.
These beetles are classified as a member of a family known as click beetles, and they are often mistaken for ladybugs because of their coloration and shape.
False potato beetles can be identified by their elongated, oval-shaped bodies that are usually marked with black spots, giving them an overall appearance that resembles potatoes.
They measure between 1/8 and 3/4 long and have long antennae with three small projections at the end.
This insect feeds primarily on leaves and stems. Sometimes causing significant defoliation to plants before moving on to different host plants.
68. Festive Tiger Beetle
Festive Tiger types of Beetles in Louisiana are common throughout Louisiana and found in various habitats. They are most commonly found in open, sandy areas, where they feed on a wide range of prey.
These beetles have an appearance that is quite striking. They are black with two orange stripes running across their wing covers.
Therefore, the Festive Tiger type of Beetles in Louisiana cannot be confused with any other species because they are one of only three tiger beetles with red eyes and long and narrow hind legs that give them a unique gait when walking or running.
Festive Tiger Beetle larvae can be recognized by their gray-brown coloration and hard exoskeleton, which protects them from predators while they develop underground for about one year before pupating.
69. Fiery Searcher Caterpillar Hunter
The Fiery Searcher Caterpillar Hunter is a beetle that is found in Louisiana and many other states. It belongs to the Carabidae family, which consists of ground beetles.
They are predatory insects that feed on small creatures such as caterpillars and beetles. The Fiery Searcher Caterpillar Hunter type of Beetles in Louisiana has an orange-yellow body with brown spots and long, thin antennae with black bands. The larvae are yellow-brown with white patches on their sides.
70. Fire-colored Beetle
Fire-colored beetles are a type of metallic wood-boring beetle that can be found primarily in Louisiana. These beetles in Louisiana are usually red with black stripes, but they come in other colors and designs.
Fire-colored types of beetles in Louisiana get their name from the bright red color they have on their wing covers.
The fire-colored beetle is also known by another name: the turpentine beetle. This is because this insect feeds on pine or fir trees containing turpentine and resin.
71. Flat-headed Bald Cypress Sapwood Beetle
The Flat-headed Bald Cypress Sapwood Beetle was discovered by a woman named Mrs. Fannie Bicknell, who found this beetle on June 9th, 1931. She found it near the spot where she had been collecting sap from a bald cypress tree.
The beetle is about four millimeters long and has a flattened head with two brown spots that make it look like it is wearing glasses.
This beetle’s life cycle can be as short as three weeks or as long as six months, but most types of beetles in Louisiana have an average life cycle of about one month.
72. Flower Longhorn Beetle
The flower longhorn beetle, a type of long-horned beetle, is found mainly in Louisiana and Texas. Flower longhorn types of beetles in Louisiana are up to 8 mm long and have long antennae extending up to 12 mm.
Flower longhorn types of Beetles in Louisiana are mostly black with yellow stripes on the sides of their thoraxes (the middle part of their body). The larvae or grubs grow up to 4 cm long and live under stones or fallen logs near water.
73. Four-spot Sap Beetle
The four-spot sap beetle is a small, black beetle with four distinctive spots on its back. It has a short, stubby antenna and is about 1/4 inch long.
The larvae are white or cream-colored, legless grubs that feed on decaying plant matter often found under rocks and logs where they live.
They pupate underground after maturing into adults. When they emerge as adults, they have four black spots on their backs that make them easy to identify.
74. Fungus Weevil
Fungus weevils are medium-sized beetles that are usually found near decaying organic matter. Funga weevils types of Beetles in Louisiana are brown and yellow, with black elytra on their backs.
These beetles can be found all over Louisiana and feed on fungi or mold. The larvae live inside logs or stumps, eating the fungus and growing into adult weevils.
They will do this for most of their life cycle before emerging as adult types of Beetles in Louisiana through a hole at the end of their log.
75. Giant Stag Beetle
The giant stag beetle is a type of beetle that can be found in Louisiana. They’re also known as elaphid beetles and are among some of the largest beetles found in Louisiana.
Although, You may often find them near water or damp areas, which is where they prefer to live. The average size for these types of beetles in Louisiana is about 5 inches, with the largest being 7 inches.
Beetles make up an order of insects called Coleoptera. There are many different types of beetles in Louisiana that you should get familiar with when you’re out exploring our state’s natural wonders. Some examples include ladybugs, ground beetles, tiger beetles, and more!
76. Gold-and-brown Rove Beetle
The Gold-and-brown Rove Beetle is one of the most common types of beetle in Louisiana. This beetle can be found all over North America but is mostly seen east of the Mississippi River.
The species is generally about 1/4 inch long and has a shiny metallic body that’s brown on top and gold underneath. It also has two rows of white hairs on its back which help identify it from other species.
The Gold-and-brown Rove Beetle lives mostly underground and prefers moist soil, making them a common sight near streams or recent construction sites where there are many worms to eat.
77. Golden Net-wing Beetle
The Golden Net-wing Beetle (Dictyoptera aurora) is an insect belonging to a net-winged beetle family. It is found in Louisiana, and its range includes much of the eastern United States and parts of Canada.
So, It is a small beetle with a body length ranging from 6-9 mm, making it one of the smallest species in this family. They are usually bright metallic green or blue but can also be coppery brown or golden yellow.
Mostly, The males have small black spots on their wings, while females usually have a wider dark band running across their wing covers.
Their larvae feed primarily on decaying wood, although they will also eat fungi growing on tree roots or decaying bark.
78. Golden Tortoise
The golden tortoise beetle is a rare species found only in a few places worldwide, including Louisiana and southeastern North America.
The larvae feed on plants, but adults are scavengers that eat dead insects, animal droppings, and carrion.
Most times, They are also attracted to lights at night. As adults, they can be seen from April through October, with peak numbers in May and June, when they can be found searching for mates and laying eggs.
79. Green June Beetle
The green June beetle is a type of beetle that is found in Louisiana. It’s about 1 inch long and has an emerald-green appearance.
Like other types of beetles in Louisiana, it has six legs and two antennae. This beetle is usually seen during late spring and early summer when it feeds on flowers, leaves, and grasses.
The female lays eggs among these plants, which are then eaten by the larvae when they hatch. The larvae then pupate before becoming adults that reproduce more eggs for another generation.
Conclusion
While beetles may be the first thing you think of when you think of Louisiana, they are actually very common in Louisiana, especially during warmer months.
They are most commonly found in woodlands and forests, where they can enjoy the moist and humid climate.
These types of Beetles in Louisiana love to be around water! Beetles are essential to any ecosystem from the ground up, so it’s important to recognize their presence and understand their roles within our environment.
Here are some facts about the different types of beetles in Louisiana home
