With the rainy season upon us in the Sierra Nevada foothills, a critter emerges to look for his mate. The Rain Beetle, a species related to the Scarab, a beetle symbolizing restoration, rebirth and good luck in ancient Egyptian culture, makes its first appearance with the early rains. Possessing a chunky body that can tolerate colder weather and “eyelashes” to sense its surroundings, this beetle lives only a few days to make a purposeful flight. 

Critter Chat interviews UC Davis PhD student Kaitai Liu as he begins his journey to better understand this charismatic and harmless native critter and the various species of the Rain Beetle, Pleocoma, living in the Sierra Nevada foothills and Pacific states of North America. Inspired by his grandparents to get outside and “off the computer” to look at bugs, he is now following his dream and researching the natural world.

Teachers are encouraged to use Critter Chat in their classrooms. Vocabulary words like “lamellae” and “pheromones” are discussed to better understand the life of a beetle.

Critter Chat tells stories of Sierra Nevada wildlife featuring interviews with experts in the field. Critter Chat is locally produced and hosted by Susan Brandt and Marney Blair with support from KVMR, Rational Animal, Chan Family Optometry and Wild Birds Unlimited.