Palo Verde Beetles are here
I hadn't been in town long when one evening this huge flying black "thing" whizzed by me. I don't remember if I screamed or was too scared to but it sure made an impression.
I was told it was a Palo Verde Beetle and that they are very popular here in Tucson during July. These are also one of the creatures you will hear buzzing in the trees as you drive down the road. They're here for a few weeks then gone until the next summer and quite a pest to motorcyclist (as I can only imagine - they grow to over 3 inches long).
I won't bore you the Palo Verde Beetle mating rituals but I will tell you they are named for their larvae (grubs) that develop underground for three years and destructively feed on the roots of Palo Verde trees.
Do they bite? Yes, apparently they do. But fear not, they are as scared of you as you are of them. Well, I don't really know that for sure but I do know that humans are not their preferred dinner and are most likely to bite only if provoked. In other words, if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone.
