Despite the fact that I have been in and amongst grapevines throughout my life, I never saw a Grapevine Beetle until the summer of 2008. I was preparing to go to bed a few nights ago when I saw a large insect on a screen on the back porch. When I investigated, I found one of the largest beetles I have ever seen (not quite as big as a stag beetle, but nearly as large).

The grapevine beetle I found was approximately an inch long. It's wings were a dull orange with four distinctive black dots on each side of its body. At first glance, it almost looks like the world's largest ladybug—you know, one that may have eaten too many McAphids!

The next time I pick grapes, I will keep my eyes open for more of these huge beetles. According to Audubon's Field Guide to Insects & Spiders, the grapevine beetle is a rapid flier. I can't confirm that: this specimen sat still during the fifteen minutes I spent shooting it.