elia35's Identifications

This large beetle was found clinging to the ventral carapace of a small terrapin. The terrapin was in obvious distress and was held fast be the beetle clinging upside down beneath it. On closer inspection, the beetle was eating the flesh on the front right limb of the terrapin, and had inflicted a fair degree of damage! We managed to dislodge it, with difficulty, but every time we put it down it flipped over on its back to scoot away! Afraid it was quite feisty so our photos are not great. Terrapin and beetle released to live another day.