Latin Name:  Cucujus clavipes Fabricius, 1781
                        (R. Bercha, det.)

Length:   10 - 14 mm

Range: Throughout Alberta

Habitat: Beneath bark of dead poplar and ash

Time of year seen: Spring - Summer (Additional Sightings)

Diet: Mites and other small insects under bark

Other:  Both the larva and adults of this species are found under the bark of dead conifer and deciduous trees.  The adults are predators of other other small insects, including wood boring beetles, and mites.  The larva typically overwinter with the adults emerging the next spring.   This is a widespread species found throughout Canada.  Adult beetles have a flat profile, parallel sides, are bright red, have triangular shaped heads and black antenna and eyes. (Evans et al, 2006 & Arnett et al, 2002)