COLEOPTERA: Rhipiceridae

This family of beetles is not often encountered in central Illinois. Roughly 20 species have been described worldwide (arranged in 7 genera).

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Sandalus niger Knoch, 1801 is the only species encountered in central Illinois. The specimen displayed below was collected by Frank Hitchell. He has the distinction of collecting more specimens of this species than anyone else in central Illinois. He has collected 3 specimens. The common name for this species is cicada parasite beetle.