Shiny Green Beetles Galore!
Ohio got pounded by the derecho two Fridays ago. I myself lost power, and the heat was terrible. But there was something good that came out of it! June Beetles. June Beetles EVERYWHERE . As I learned the next morning, Green June Beetles ( Cotinis nitida ) apparently like to emerge from the ground after a sustained rain, and boy did they come out! I saw at least a dozen in a small area, flying around a patch of clover and a fallen pine tree branch. "I'M GONNA GET YA!" The females that were around had to deal with many males vying for some action. For the good of the species, of course. With all these beetles flying around, it was a miniature treasure hunt for me. I caught a few to keep under observation, and one to pin for my collection. It had been a few years since I had found any living June beetles, and they're so pretty, so I was fascinated. These guys are like tiny helicopters whizzing around in the air when they take flight. When I first saw them, I was a few m...