The bewhiskered beauty

ID: Checkered beetle(Hydnocerinae/cleridae family)

Spotted this beauty resting on the bristle-y bit of the shrub, probably asleep in the morning, almost still. The hairy growth on, probably juvenile, beetle seemed as if its part of the bush that it had taken refuge on, a peculiar characteristic of these beetles. Unlike the other beetles, these seem to have, comparatively, smaller antennae. Usually feasting on other beetles, these predators prey on bark and boring beetles, though would have to wait longer to document such an encounter.

EXIF:
Canon 80D
Canon 100mm macro
F/10
SHutterspeed 1/125
ISO 320
Handheld, external flash fired

Location: Nagla trail

Date: 6th March

Good details. The hairy growth on both the beetle and the stalk looks nice. The black and yellow colour on it gives a good shiny effect. Thanks for sharing the detailed information. Look forward to more.

I would love to see one image of this fellow feeding on a beetle. The bristles have come out well. As pointed by Mrudul, the overall colour contrast looks nice. Thanks for sharing.