Oiceoptoma inequale (Fabricius)

Description: is a small beetle, ranging from 10 to 13 mm in length. It is completely black.

Similar Species: This species could be confused with Thanatophilus truncatus, T. lapponicus, or Heterosilpha ramosa. It differs from all three in having striated elytra, whereas T. lapponicus and H. ramosa possess pustules, and the elytra in T. truncatus are smooth.

Range: Occurs from Quebec and Ontario to the Dakotas, Texas, and Florida. In Nebraska it appears limited to the eastern two-thirds of the state.

Notes: This diurnal species displays a unique pose in flight, raising its elytra to a vertical position over the back to resemble a resting butterfly. This pose may serve to make the beetle appear much larger while in flight, possibly deterring some predators. When the beetle is pursued, it lands and resumes the small size that allows easy concealment into the foliage. This beetle is often found in deciduous forests beside lakes, streams, and rivers.