(five photos - four different-colored beetles)
Trichodes ornatus
This beetle is very similar to the third on on this page except for the red markings instead of yellow.
I found it at Payson Lakes in Utah County, UT. © Carol Davis, 7-19-2009
These beetle are interesting. This one that I found in the Kolob Canyon Overlook of Zion National
Park is yellow with black markings. The one below has more extensive black with yellow markings
and the one below that one is orange with black markings (some articles have said the black
coloring on these beetles is actually blue--I'll never take one apart to check it out).
Ornate Checkered Beetle on the Nebo Loop near Payson Lakes. These beetles feed on other beetles and on pollen, thus
becoming important in the pollination of plants. You can see how the pollen attaches to the legs. © Carol Davis, 7-6-2008
A different color of Ornate Checkered Beetle. This one was on globemallow in Nevada. It's nice to know such a beautiful flower beetle can
be beneficial in pollinating. The photo below gives a better idea of the shape of the head (the neck is elongated). © Carol Davis, 4-12-2008
Look at all the pollen on this beetle. His coloring makes him perfect for the globemallow.
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