Did someone call an ecologist? A common "sand beetle" along the coast is the Darkling beetle (Coleoptera tenebrionidae), however the track of this beetle and generally all other beetles would include not only a body drag (like the type pictured) but also conspicuous foot prints on either side of the drag (google it). The absence of the foot prints combine with the VERY random pattern and abundance of debris supports Pranaglider's assessment. Fun stuff. Cheers, Daniel
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I have wondered the same thing.
ReplyDeleteMy current theory is that these are the tracks cigerette butts make as they are blown around on the sand.
hmmm... fair enough. i'll go with your theory of Grit Beetles unless Daniel says otherwise.
ReplyDeleteDid someone call an ecologist?
ReplyDeleteA common "sand beetle" along the coast is the Darkling beetle (Coleoptera tenebrionidae), however the track of this beetle and generally all other beetles would include not only a body drag (like the type pictured) but also conspicuous foot prints on either side of the drag (google it). The absence of the foot prints combine with the VERY random pattern and abundance of debris supports Pranaglider's assessment.
Fun stuff.
Cheers,
Daniel
thanks for the quick assistance, Daniel. good call Prana— the magic of nature as it can only occur in so. cal!!!
ReplyDelete