Beetles on White Pine (Pinus strobis)

[Shayne Picard]

Can someone ID these beetles?

As initially observed (they were mating):

Top of beetles post-mortem:

Bottom of beetles post-mortem:

 

[brendonv]

I've seen these before. They almost look like a lightning bug, or firefly (google pics). As far as I know, they do not do damage to the tree. I've seen them hanging out on all types.

 

[Shayne Picard]

Reminded me of lightning bugs too.

 

[banjo]

I say lightning bugs too.

 

[guymayor]

O man you murdered those nice little bugs while they were in the throes of passion--coitus interruptus? I hope that at least you waited until they climaxed.

 

[Kman]

I've seen those also in NY and VT and was also under the impression that they were harmless to the pines.

 

[BostonBull]

I see these everywhere as well on the North Shore. I would like to know the name of these for my own good. I have never sen them doing any damage.

 

[outonalimbtrees]

definately a firefly...its actually a beetle
Ellychnia corrusca
hope it helps
ben

 

[woodville]

Might be a Soldier Beetle, thay eat aphids and mimic the firefly to avoid being eaten.

 

[BostonBull]

anyone else corroborate the soldier beetle?

 

[woodville]

Last 2 or 3 abdominal sterna are often luminous and white on the firefly.The beetles I find around Ma never have the luminous markings also I see them when firefly's are not out i.e.early spring late fall.

 

[Sylvia]

[ QUOTE ]
definately a firefly...its actually a beetle
Ellychnia corrusca
hope it helps
ben

[/ QUOTE ]

I'm going with Ben here. A link I looked up called these Ellychnia corusca "non luminous". (I didn't attach as it is a lengthy PPT; however, if anyone is interested will do so.)

The soldier beetle I googled didn't resemble this one. However, I realize there may be different species??

As stated, both are harmless to the tree.

Sylvia