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White Sands National Monument Insects
The darkling beetle is the most visible insect on the monument, leaving distinct tracks as it scurries about the dunes. This species has the habit of elevating its abdomen about 45 degrees and can emit a fine spray of foul-smelling liquid when threatened. Most predators leave it alone after the first encounter.
One species of grasshopper has developed a very light colored exoskeleton and blends in with the white of the sands. This insect is usually not seen until it is disturbed enough to fly.
The scorpions that are found here can inflict a painful sting, but are not deadly. They are nocturnal and are seldom encountered by visitors. Because they are florescent, they may be seen by using a portable blacklight around plant litter, especially in the marginal dunes.
: 94+ species, 91+ families, 12 orders. Includes beetles, white grasshoppers and crickets and other interesting species
Spiders, mites, and ticks.
Scorpions, three species (none deadly)
Maine ocean islands provide the only nesting sites for Atlantic puffins in the United States. Eastern Egg Rock in the midcoast region, Seal Island and Matinicus Rock at the mouth of Penobscot Bay, and Machias Seal Island and Petit Manan Island off the downeast coast provide habitat for more than 4,000 puffins each summer.