In tha base of a diseased, but standing Quercus alba. There is a dark liquid (fermented sap?), coming from the base of the tree that smells similar to apple cider. Tree seems to be rotting at the bottom.
This beetle appears to have mites on the right rearmost leg, at the femur. The beetle seems to be an evenly rusty cinnamon color without a contrasting dark "mask". Attracted to light at night.
Fruiting on 1 hardwood branch, top surface feels dry, underside feels soft and velvety, several "pins" in the cracks of the bark. Seems fresh after touching it.
Caught indoors by housecat. Body length about 5-6 cm. Tail is as long as or longer than body length, being dark above and lighter below. Body shape widest at head and shoulders,tapering towards hind legs and tail.