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Message from a Beetle

May 30, 2023

Judy Gallagher, MFVMN Class of 2010, sent us an encouraging observation from the Julie Metz Wetlands.

Judy Reports: "While walking a trail at Julie Metz Wetlands, I saw a movement out of the corner of my eye. Upon closer inspection, it was a Marsh Ground Beetle, Elaphrus species, about 1/3 inch long. It superficially resembles a tiger beetle, but the elytra (outer wings) are pitted, and it is more reflective than the average tiger beetle. Species from this genus are very sensitive to water quality, so seeing this indicates that Julie Metz Wetlands' water quality is pretty decent."

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