Dicheirus dilatatus (Broad Golden Bear Harpaline)

about the species

These beetles are endemic and restricted to California, found from the ocean beaches to 2500m elevation (much more common below 1000m). Favors various open habitats including grassland, scrub, oak-pine woodlands, very open pine forest, and forest edges. Tolerant of some disturbance (pasture, cutting). They are unusual in being seed and pollen feeder in a family of beetles that are mostly predators and scavengers. The larvae and pupae are yet to be discovered.

why species was selected

This is a widespread species that is endemic and restricted to California. Recognizably different adult forms are known in the San Diego area and on the CA Channel Islands. These may be threatened populations or unrecognized species that should be species of concern.

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