a histerid beetle in the genus Haeterius, collected in southern california. these live in the nests of Formica ants. unfortunately the genus is very poorly studies and it's extremely hard to determine which species is without a specialist taking a much closer look. first photo taken using my lab's actual imaging system, next two just using my phone camera and microscope, and final one isn't my specimen or my picture but is a nice SEM by Michael Catarino of a member of the same genus showing off their weird little face










