A Ferrari-red Semiotus

[trehopr1]

Here we have one of the most sharply colored (and polished) looking beetles
that I have in my collection. It is a Ferrari-red/black click beetle species from
South America. It's name is Semiotus sanguinicollis (Blanchard).



I acquired my specimen many years ago from a beetle collection being
parted out. The previous owner fancied Elateridae, Lucanidae, and Cerambycidae
to a greater measure than anything else; so his holdings were substantial...
A quick glimpse of this little honey told me I had to have it!

This specimen hails from Peru and was collected in Jan.1975

I have seen at least 3 others in collections but, all were much more orangish or
reddish/orange in color as compared with mine. 

[nomad]

One of the few beetle families that we have here, that I can immediately recognize by their shape. Although that is the easy part, telling which species it is very difficult and you need a specialist. Here is a nice UK species Ampedus cinnabarinus, a rare dead wood species that I saw in the New Forest.