Bess beetle

(US) Any of various beetles of the family .

Bess bug is an American common name for beetles of the family Passalidae — large, shiny black beetles found in decaying wood, also known as patent leather beetles or horned passalus. They are notable for making squeaking sounds and for their somewhat social behaviour, unusual among beetles. The name 'Bess' is of uncertain origin but may be a folk name. They are a familiar sight in rotting logs in the southeastern US and are sometimes kept by entomology enthusiasts.

Any of the American shield bugs, in the superfamily .

(British) Any of several shield-shaped leaf beetles that typically inhabit a specific species of tree; especially members of the genus .