Remarks:
Although it is not aggressive and has no venom, will bite if molested. The powerful jaws usually used when burrowing through the earth and feeding on roots.
Keep a respectful distance!
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-IWvXhIuieO8/TlmIM5BY_zI/AAAAAAAADKc/BxcoR883nRU/s320/Jerusalem+Beetle+before+DSC_0023.jpg) |
Beautiful Day. Again. |
![](//4.bp.blogspot.com/-SK0R44gcsU4/TlmINVuQRYI/AAAAAAAADKg/KIvUhZU-Tao/s320/Jerusalem+Beetle+before+DSC_0026.jpg) |
Cleaning up some leaves. |
![](//4.bp.blogspot.com/-VZ3zzLsesXk/TlmINylgeJI/AAAAAAAADKk/9ojIKoWgXTM/s320/Jerusalem+Beetle+DSC_0037.jpg) |
The Jerusalem Beetle in a defensive posture. |
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-5Md5aZopOJw/TlmIOQEUNkI/AAAAAAAADKo/TjcBgriuArA/s320/Jerusalem+Beetle+DSC_0042.jpg) |
Strike Position |
![](//1.bp.blogspot.com/-0MUD7yldGEU/TlmIOiLM7EI/AAAAAAAADKs/ebyn3INfpBo/s320/Jerusalem+Beetle+DSC_0043.jpg) |
Rearing back on it hind legs, it's jaws were seeking flesh. Human flesh. My flesh. |
![](//4.bp.blogspot.com/-_B-3Q9bXiIo/TlmIPCKU6sI/AAAAAAAADKw/5qNmR_iOdj8/s320/Jerusalem+Beetle+DSC_0047.jpg) |
Running for a vulnerable foot, I snapped this picture at risk of great personal harm. |
![](//3.bp.blogspot.com/-y2QSW4zN7Is/TlmIPqDil4I/AAAAAAAADK0/7Gb8QsWM2Ks/s320/Jerusalem+Beetle+DSC_0048.jpg) |
At the last second I was able to leap out of the creatures path . |
![](//2.bp.blogspot.com/-OQWbCOJi3fs/TlmIQJiGPdI/AAAAAAAADK4/zNHUVqmJu_I/s320/Jerusalem+Beetle+DSC_0049.jpg) |
Close inspection shows the Jerusalem Beetle returning to his attack hole. |