Laboratory tests were carried out to determine if certain types of cover and surfaces were preferred by adults of Hypolithus bicolor Eschscholtz. Approximately 45% of the adults selected the rough stone when a rough stone, a smooth stone, a lump of dried manure and a square of paper were provided simultaneously as cover. Soil moisture did not seem to influence this selection, except that the cover in the soil at the highest moisture level was rejected. The selection of preferred cover appears to be in response to thigmo-kinesis coupled with a tendency of beetles to congregate in tight groups under the cover.