by C. M. Smith Rich

September 17, 2025—my first sighting.

Nicknames: “Fernando” &”Hang Glider.”

The first time I saw this creature was back on September, 17, 2025, late in the morning. It stood out as a bright pop of color on a verdant green, blooming Roemer’s Acacia – Senegalia roemeriana.

As I approached this boldly-colored, orange and black beetle to come in for a closer look, it lept off the native tree it was poised on and helicoptered itself up, up, and on out of my way—just like an action figure in a movie or cartoon. I was starstruck!

Its unique wing spread and flight pattern as it flew away from me that day left quite an impression on my mind and in my imagination. I wanted the chance to see it again. I wanted the chance to see that impressive liftoff again.

Consequently, I set out to try and record its “liftoff” for us to experience and enjoy.

Fast forward to May 20, 2026.

As a friend and I made our way about the endangered Tamaulipan thornscrub habitat looking for native bees on a walking survey, she saw something and called out for me to look.

I spun around and, yet again, that bright pop of color against the greens and greys stood out against the landscape.

Could it be? After all this time of looking, watching and waiting? Had “Hang Glider” returned?