Desert Stink Beetle

Natural Habitat

Arid regions, deserts, and grasslands of North America

Diet & Feeding

Omnivorous scavengers that feed on decaying plant matter, seeds, and occasionally other insects.

Behavior Patterns

Primarily nocturnal or crepuscular; known for its defensive posture of standing on its head and releasing a foul-smelling secretion.

Risks & Benefits

Harmless to humans though the chemical secretion can irritate sensitive skin; beneficial to the ecosystem by recycling nutrients from organic matter.

Identified on: 5/28/2026