Desert Stink Beetle (Pinacate Beetle)

Open arid areas, deserts, and scrublands, particularly in the Southwestern United States and Northern Mexico.

Detritivore; they consume decaying plant matter, fungi, and sometimes dry organic debris.

Mainly nocturnal or crepuscular to avoid heat. They are famous for a 'headstand' defensive posture where they raise their rear to threaten predators with chemical secretions.

Generally harmless to humans but can spray a foul-smelling chemical if handled. Ecosystem benefit: they are important decomposers that turn organic matter into soil nutrients.