Bess Beetle, Patent Leather Beetle, Betsy Beetle

Found in decaying logs (especially oak, but also other hardwoods) in forests and woodlands. They often create extensive galleries within the wood.

Primarily saprophagous, meaning they feed on decaying wood, particularly hardwoods. Both adults and larvae consume softened, rotting wood. Adults chew the wood into a pulp for the larvae.

As nocturnal insects, Bess Beetles are most active during the night, feeding on decaying wood. They are known for their unusual social behavior for beetles, living in family groups (galleries) within logs and displaying parental care, with both adults and larvae communicating through a variety of stridulatory (sound-producing) sounds. They can produce over a dozen distinct sounds, earning them the nickname "betsy beetle" or "patent leather beetle" due to their shiny appearance. Larvae are dependent on adults to chew and predigest wood.

Bess beetles pose no risks to humans or property. They are beneficial to the ecosystem as detritivores, playing a crucial role in breaking down decaying wood and thus contributing to nutrient cycling in forest environments. They are also popular as educational insects for their unique social behaviors and sound production.