PHOENIX — Monsoon is here, which means you've probably seen these massive black beetles crawling around on trees during the day or dive-bombing porch lights at night.
They're big. They're gross. They're a little bit scary! But other than a pinch, these bugs are harmless to people. Meet the palo verde beetle.
It's one of the largest insects in North America with most over 3 inches in length and some growing as big as 3.5 inches. These beetles will spend 3 to 4 years underground as grubs, feeding on tree roots. As their name implies, palo verde trees are the most commonly affected, but the grubs can live on many other species.
After pupating underground, the adult beetle will emerge during the monsoon to find a mate.
Despite what you might assume because of its size, spines and large mandibles, the palo verde beetle is a gentle giant. Those big mandibles are only used for self defense, not hunting, and they don't possess a stinger. Adult palo verde beetles don't eat, and will only live for about a month once they emerge from their underground homes.
So, yes, they're freaky to find around your home. But the good news is that they're harmless if left alone and will be gone in just a few more weeks. Just be aware that palo verde beetles can fly, so if you're riding a bike or a motorcycle, a helmet with a face mask is a good idea — unless you want to get hit by a giant bug.
Still, considering that we're near the top of the charts for the number of venomous species in our state, this is a pretty good bug to run into.
VERSIÓN EN ESPAÑOL: Todo lo que no quiere saber sobre esos espeluznantes escarabajos de la temporada de monzón
>> Download the 12News app for the latest local breaking news straight to your phone.
WE ❤ ARIZONA
Explore amAZing people, places and things across our state on our 12News YouTube playlist here.