General: Little Bear Scarab Beetles (Paracotalpa ursina) are Scarab beetles recognized by their elongate to oval, shiny body and unequal, independently movable tarsal claws (most obvious on the hind legs). Little Bears are recognized by their black head and thorax, and red elytra (wing-covers) and setae (hair) covered bodies.

Adults feed on leaves and flowers of various herbs, shrubs, and trees. Larvae (grubs) seem to feed on the roots of shrubs, but may feed on other plants too.

These beetles were found in January flying low among shrubs in an area of Mojave Desert Scrub with diverse plant species. They were plentiful enough that an American Kestrel was feeding on them.