Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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05.07.2019
Attelabus nitens (Scop., 1763)
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The brood care behavior of the Oak Leaf-roller Attelabus nitens (family Attelabidae) is probably among the most interesting in the German beetle fauna. The female cuts slits in a typical pattern in oak leaves, from the edge to the main leaf vein and builds a tiny leaf roll. The egg is deposited in the leaf roll and the larva feeds on the drying leaf after hatching. The 4 to 6.5 mm large beetle is entirely red with exception of the shiny black head and legs. It is the only representative of the genus in Germany. The family Attelabidae comprises only three species in Germany. They reach their greatest diversity in the tropical and subtropical regions of the world with more than 2000 species. (KR/CB)
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