Overview featured beetle species

Overview featured species Text © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren and C. Benisch
Year of publication: Sort order: alphabetical systematic date of publication

26.02.2010 Gibbium psylloides (Czenp., 1778)
	The Smooth Spider Beetle Gibbium psylloides (family Ptinidae) is 2 to 3.2 mm in size with a mite-like appearance. It is one of several synanthropic species of the family with cosmopolitan distribution. Usually they are found in old buildings with faulty-grounds filled with straw and chaff. But they are also found in old barns, or in pharmacies for example in containers with old herbs. Beetles and larvae live in and feed on dry vegetable (grain, fruits) and animal matter (wool, hair, feathers) and can occasionally cause damage to the infested goods. If they occur in large numbers, the nocturnal beetles can be very annoying and it is difficult to eliminate them. (KR)

19.02.2010 Dircaea australis Fairm., 1856
	The conspicuous, yellow and black colored Dircaea australis belongs to the darkling beetles (Melandryidae) and is 8-12 mm long. It is known to occur in Central Europe (France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Latvia) and in the south of Northern Europe (Sweden). In Germany, the species has been recorded in Westphalia and more recently in the Palatinate. D. australis is a rare, xylodetriticolous relict of primeval forests and develops mostly in white-rotted beech (Fagus sylvatica), occasionally in lime tree (Tilia) and in Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria). In sunny weather the swift beetles can be observed. In Germany, D. australis is regarded as critically endangered. (CB)

12.02.2010 Epitrix atropae Foudr., 1860
	The tiny Belladonna flea beetle is only 1.5-2 mm long and belongs to the leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae). The stenotopic species is known to occur in Western and Central Europe. In Germany it is not recorded from the northern and eastern Federal States. Epitrix atropae can be found in forests, on clear cuttings and glades, where its host, belladonna (Atropa belladonna) grows. Occasionally the species is recorded from henbane (Hyoscyamus) and boxthorn (Lycium). The beetles are phyllophagous and cause characteristic feeding traces on the foliage. The larvae develop on the roots below the ground. If disturbed, the beetles escape swiftly with a huge jump (name of the subfamily!). (CB)

05.02.2010 Tetratoma fungorum F., 1790
	Tetratoma fungorum belongs to the small family of polypore fungus beetles (Tetratomidae), closely related to the Melandryidae. It is 4-4.5 mm long and exhibits a yellow to red pronotum and dark blue metallic elytra, and is characterized by its capitate antenna with 4 enlarged apical members (name!). T. fungorum is known to occur in Central Europe and the southern part of Northern Europa, and reaches the Caucasus in East. The mycetobiont species develops in various fungi (Piptoporus betulinus, Polyporus squamosus and Laetiporus sulphureus) on deciduous trees (beech, oak, birch and others). T. fungorum is present throughout Germany, preferentially in the low mountain range. (CB)

29.01.2010 Asida sabulosa (Fuessl., 1775)
	The darkling beetle Asida sabulosa (family Tenebrionidae) is the only species in Central Europe of a genus that is represented in the Mediterranean region through a variety of very similar species. The center of distribution of this 11-15 mm long beetle is located in Southwest Europe. In Central Europe the species reaches Rhineland-Palatinate. The populations in the Volcanic Eifel are the northernmost currently known. The species requires warm and dry screes, sparsely covered with vegetation. Besides from Rheinland, A. sabulosa is only known from the Saarland. For the Palatinate and Hesse it is reported as missing or extinct. (KR)

22.01.2010 Carabus intricatus L., 1761
	With a length of 24-36 mm the Blue Ground Beetle (Carabus intricatus) is among the larger species of the genus Carabus (family Carabidae) in Central Europe. The rather rare species lives in sparse, deciduous forests in the low mountain range and prefers south-facing slopes, but is also occasionally found in suitable habitats of the lowlands. Like many other Carabus species it forms wintering communities under the bark of dead trees, partly together with other carabid beetles. Similar to other species of the genus, it is regarded as beneficial organism for preying on snails, caterpillars and other pests. In Germany, C. intricatus is strictly protected by Federal Law. (KR)

15.01.2010 Gnorimus variabilis (L., 1758)
	The Variable Chafer (Gnorimus variabilis) belongs to the family Scarabaeidae, and is very closely related to the well known Rose Chafers (genus Cetonia and Protaetia). At 17 to 22 mm length, it is a large species for the Central European fauna. The larva develops in red-rotted hollow trees of oak and beech, but also in red-rotted wood of lying trunks. The rare species is widespread in Central- and Southern Europe and is mostly found in its brood substrate, much lesser on flowers such as elderberry and others. Evidence for its presence is often provided by leftovers of beetles preyed by birds around the brood substrate, rather than by observation of the beetle itself. (KR)

08.01.2010 Hylobius transversovittatus (Goeze, 1777)
	The Loosestrife root weevil (Hylobius transversovittatus) belongs to the family of the weevils (Curculionidae). The 9-11 mm long, reddish-brown species develops on Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) on wetlands. The nocturnal beetles appear in April and start feeding on foliage and young stems. After oviposition in May, the larvae hatch and begin to mine the stem or root in a 1-2 year development cycle. The species is distributed throughout Europe, but is only occasionally found due to its nocturnal lifestyle. In the 90s, Hylobius transversovittatus was introduced into the US and Canada for biocontrol of Loosestrife and is now established on many sites across the US. (CB)

01.01.2010 Aesalus scarabaeoides (Panz., 1794)
	With a length of 5-7 mm the stag beetle Aesalus scarabaeoides is the smallest member of the family of stag beetles (Lucanidae) in Central Europe. The beetle is very similar to the ones of genus Trox (Trogidae). It developes in red-rotted, moist to wet oak wood. The beetle is found throughout the year in oak logs where it develops, together with the larvae. It is rarely found outside of the wood and then only at night. The species is widespread in Central and Southeast Europe and mainly found in the old forests with a high percentage of deadwood, but everywhere it is rare or very rare. The beetle can fly and is attracted to light. (KR)

27.12.2009 Oberea erythrocephala (Schrk., 1776)
	The Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle (Oberea erythrocephala) belongs to the longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae). The slender beetles are 9-14 mm long and are active fliers. The larval development cycle takes one year in the stem and root of Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia sp.). As a markedly xerothermophilic species, O. erythrocephala can be found from May to July on arenaceous heathland and sun exposed mountain slopes in southern Central Europe. In 1980, the species was introduced to the US and Canada for pest control of Leafy Spurge on grassland and was released in several states. Meanwhile, it is established in a few states. (CB)

19.12.2009 Palmar festiva (L., 1758)
	The Cypress jewel beetle (Palmar festiva) belongs to the jewel beetles (family Buprestidae). The thermophilic species with mediterranean distribution develops in juniper and was a rare species in Germany until a few years ago. It was known to occur localized on the southern Suebian Alb. Since 2003, P. festiva spreads quickly in the southern river Rhine valley. The new host is thuja, which is common in gardens as hedgerow. Depending on the severity of the infestation, the thuja dies off within 2-3 years. The successful change of hosts has turned the former rare species into a "pest". The current legal conservation status is being considered. (CB)

Overview featured species