Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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04.05.2018
Cordicomus sellatus (Panz., 1797)
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28 
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The distribution of the 4 mm large Cordicomus sellatus (family Anthicidae) spreads from Northern to Central Europe. Especially in the East the species is widespread and common, at least locally. From Germany there are records from virtually all regions (except Wurttemberg and Saarland), however quite a few of them are only historic. In the Red List of Germany the species is classified as endangered. The beetles can be found on sandy edges of ponds and rivers under vegetable detritus and in the sandy ground below plants. They should be present alongside river Rhine, wherever sandy watersides exist. However, such spots are missing in the narrow Rhine valley in Rhineland-Palatinate, which may be the reason for the lack of recent records of the beetle in this region. (KR)
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27.04.2018
Amphotis marginata (F., 1781)
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30
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The myrmecophilous sap beetle Amphotis marginata (family Nitidulidae) lives as a true host in the vicinity of the nests of the Jet ant, also known as Shiny wood ant (Lasius fuliginosus). They lead an inconspicuous lifestyle lurking at the ant trails for foraging worker ants and use tactile cues to solicit regurgitation of a liquid food drop. When the trick is found out, the beetle withdraws into its carapace and attaches itself to the ground, becoming invulnerable to attack. The development cycle of the 4 to 4.5 mm large species is yet unknown. It is believed, that it takes places in plant galls. Amphotis marginata is known to occur all over Germany and is not endangered. Due to its hidden lifestyle the beetle is found comparatively seldom. (KR)
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20.04.2018
Brachytarsus fasciatus (Forst., 1771)
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29
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The 2 to 4 mm large fungus weevil Brachytarsus fasciatus (family Anthribidae) is one of three species of the genus known to occur in Germany. The beetles hibernate and appear already in early spring, but usually from May to June on deciduous trees that are infested by scale insects (family Coccidae). The larvae live under the cavity beneath an individual host scale of the genus Eulecanium or Pulvinaria and are dependent on the eggs found there for food, later they feed on the scale insect itself. Brachytarsus fasciatus is a relatively rare species that is missing or has disappeared in many Federal States in Germany. This is why it is classified in the Red List of Germany as vulnerable (RL 3). The reason for the rarity of the species is not understood up to now. (KR)
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13.04.2018
Rhyzopertha dominica (F., 1792)
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22
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The origin of the 2 to 3 mm large Lesser Grain Borer Rhyzopertha dominica (family Bostrichidae) is traced to the (sub-) tropical regions of Southeast Asia. Today it is impossible to identify the exact origin, but it is probably India, China and Indochina. The beetles were transported all over the world with food shipments. It is now a cosmopolitan and one of the most dangerous pests to food supplies. Both adult beetles and larvae attack vegetable matter rich in protein, oil or starch, e.g. grains, rice, sorghum, oil seeds and others, in which the larvae develop. But since their origin is in the tropical region, beetle and larvae do not tolerate low temperatures and die off quickly below 10 °C. Therefore, the beetle is obligate synanthropic in Central Europe. (KR/CB)
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06.04.2018
Callistus lunatus (F., 1775)
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28
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The distribution of the 4.2 to 7 mm large Ground Beetle Callistus lunatus (family Carabidae) stretches from Northern Spain, through Central Europe (South England, South Holland, East Germany), to South-Central Latvia and Russia, and Turkmenistan in the east. In the south it reaches the Mediterranean region without the islands. The beetle is markedly thermophilic and nowhere common. It usually prefers limestone soil, but is occasionally also reported from sandy soil. In Germany it is mostly found in the low mountain range, especially on xerothermic southern slopes, sparsely covered with vegetation. Normally one can find the beetle under stones and wood or crawling on the ground in dry and sunny weather. In the Red List of Germany C. lunatus is classified as endangered (RL 2). (KR)
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30.03.2018
Pachnephorus pilosus (Rossi, 1790)
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24
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The distribution of the 2.5 to 3.5 mm large leaf beetle Pachnephorus pilosus (family Chrysomelidae) spreads from Southern Europe to Central Europe. The genus Pachnephorus is represented in Southern Europe by about two dozen species, whereas in Germany only two species are present. Pachnephorus pilosus is significantly more common than the other species, and is known to occur all over Germany except the northern Federal States, but very localized and rare. The terricolous beetles live in open, sunny locations on muddy-loamy, sandy soil, often near ditches and other moist habitats under lower plants. They graze on sparse moss floors thriving on the moist, loamy-sandy soil. In the Red List of Germany the species is classified as endangered (RL 2). (KR/CB)
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23.03.2018
Rhynchaenus alni (L., 1758)
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30
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The 2.5 to 3.5 mm large weevil Rhynchaenus alni (family Curculionidae) is one of the so called leaf mining or jumping weevils. These weevils have thickened hind legs that enable them to make - relative to their size - huge jumps, similar to the leaf beetles of the subfamily Halticinae. The distribution of Rhynchaenus alni spreads in the north from Denmark to Southern Europe and in the East to East Asia. In Germany, there are records from virtually all regions (except Mecklenburg- Western-Pomerania), but many of them are only historical. Contrary to their scientific name the species is not living on alder (Alnus sp.), but oligophagous on elm tree (Ulmus sp.), often together with the reddish Rhynchaenus rufus. In Germany, the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (KR)
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16.03.2018
Plagionotus detritus (L., 1758)
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23
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The 10 to 19 mm large longhorn beetle Plagionotus detritus (family Cerambycidae) mimics the appearance of stinging wasps - similar to longhorn beetles of the genus Leptura, Clytus and Xylotrechus as well as insects from other orders (e.g. hoverflies, clearwing moths). This is called Batesian mimicry. Its distribution stretches from Southern and Central Europe to the Caucasus, Northern Kazakhstan and the Middle East. The larval development takes 1-2 years in stems and thick branches of various deciduous trees, in Central Europe preferably in oak (Quercus), but also hornbeam (Carpinus), beech (Fagus), chestnut (Castanea). The beetles can be found on the side and at the bottom of fresh timber logs lying in the sun. In Germany the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (KR/CB)
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09.03.2018
Dermestoides sanguinicollis (F., 1787)
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26
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The Checkered Beetle Dermestoides sanguinicollis is the rarest representative of the family Cleridae in Central Europe. The distribution of the 7 to 9 mm large beetle reaches from Southern Europe (Pyrenees) across Central Europe to Western Russia and the Caucasus. The northernmost distribution limit passes through the middle of Germany. Dermestoides sanguinicollis is bound to old oaks and especially to trees populated by the great capricorn beetle (Cerambyx cerdo). Even at the beginning of the 20th century D. sanguinicollis was already rare. In those days, the great capricorn beetle was regarded as a forest pest and its brood trees were eliminated, resulting in a massive decline of habitats. Today the species is considered as critically endangered in Germany (RL 1). (KR)
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02.03.2018
Necrophorus vespillo (L., 1758)
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27
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The Banded Sexton Beetle Necrophorus vespillo (family Silphidae) is one of at least ten species in Central Europe. The species of the genus Necrophorus are commonly referred to as "burying beetles". The Banded Sexton Beetle is present throughout Central Europe. It is mostly found on carrion, where the beetles prey on fly maggots and other insects and their larvae. Small carrion is usually buried quickly by the beetles. For non-eusocial insects, the beetles exhibit a very remarkable brood care behavior: The female protects its larvae in the crypt and feeds them actively with the decaying carrion. The beetles are usually occupied by a large number of mites, which don't harm the beetle. The mites simply use it as a vehicle to move on to the next carrion (phoresy). (KR/CB)
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23.02.2018
Lacon querceus (Hbst., 1784)
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27
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The distribution of the Click beetle Lacon querceus (family Elateridae) stretches from the Pyrenees across Central Europe to Western Siberia. In Central Europe, the occurrences of the 9-12 mm large species are very insular and localized and the beetle is rare everywhere. In the mountains it rises to a maximum of 470 m above sea level. The development of the larvae takes place in rotten trunks and thick branches of standing oak infested with the mycelium of sulphur shelf (Laetiporus sulphureus). The larvae possibly prey on the larvae of Mycetophagus piceus. In late autumn the beetles hatch and hibernate in the puparium. In Germany Lacon querceus is confined to very few old oak forests and is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1). (KR/CB)
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16.02.2018
Batrisodes buqueti (Aube, 1833)
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22
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Batrisodes buqueti is one of approximately 90 representatives of short-winged mold beetles (family Pselaphidae), which is placed as subfamily of the rove beetles (Staphylinidae) by some authors. Its members are characterized by their conspicuous maxillary palps. Due to their hidden lifestyle associated with ants of the genus Lasius, but also under bark and in dead wood it is quite difficult to find the beetles. The distribution of Batrisodes buqueti stretches from Southern Europe to Central Europe. In Germany occurrences of the 1.9 to 2.2 mm large species are rather localized. Their abundance strongly decreases from the South to the North and from the West to the East. In the German Red List of endangered species B. buqueti is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (KR)
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09.02.2018
Harpalus flavescens (Pill.Mitt., 1783)
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28
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The distribution of the Ground Beetle Harpalus flavescens (family Carabidae) spreads from Central Europe to Southern Russia in the east. In the north it reaches South Sweden and Southern Finland, in the south Northern Italy. Obviously, the species is currently not present in the Alps (last time reported in 1990 from Switzerland, no records from Austria). The 11 to 13 mm large, psammophilic beetle is extremely thermophilic and occurs on sandy areas sparsely covered with vegetation. Therefore the beetle can be regarded as a typical element of heaths. In the large sandy areas in Eastern Germany the species is still very common, otherwise generally rare, but currently reported from almost all Federal States. In Germany, Harpalus flavescens is classified as vulnerable (RL 3). (KR)
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02.02.2018
Laemophloeus monilis (F., 1787)
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30
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The Lined Flat Bark Beetle Laemophloeus monilis (family Laemophloeidae) is present in most parts of Germany. It is absent in the Saarland and in the regions of Weser-Ems and Lower Elbe. There are only old reports from Thuringia, Hannover and Schleswig-Holstein. The species is rare in the northern parts of Germany, and, although it is somewhat more common in the southern parts, a clear loss in habitats is observed. Both beetles and larvae live under the bark of deciduous trees, especially of beech (Fagus), less frequently of linden (Tilia). Beetles and larvae presumably prey on the bark beetle Taphrorychus bicolor (family Scolytidae), hunting its larvae in their burrows. In the Red List of Germany L. monilis is classified as vulnerable (RL 3). (KR/CB)
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26.01.2018
Lasiorhynchites sericeus (Hbst., 1797)
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24
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The distribution of the Thief Weevil Lasiorhynchites sericeus (family Rhynchitidae) stretches over all of Europe except the north. In the east it reaches far into Russia. The 5.2 to 6.4 mm large species is known to occur throughout Germany, but everywhere only very sporadically. The beetles live from May till July on oak. They exhibit a very interesting brood parasitism: Contrary to other representatives of the genus, the female does not produce a leaf-roll herself, but places her egg in the leaf-roll of the Leaf-rolling Weevil Attelabus nitens while still "under construction". Also, the females lay their eggs in already finished rolls. The larva eats the egg of the Leaf-rolling Weevil before it consumes the leaf as the brood substrate. (KR/CB)
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19.01.2018
Timarcha metallica (Laich., 1781)
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22
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The leaf beetle Timarcha metallica (family Chrysomelidae) is one of three representatives of the genus in Germany. Its distribution stretches from Central Europe and the south-easternmost France and northernmost Italy to the east far into Russia. It is a stenotopic, montane species, which is only found in the low mountain and the high mountain ranges. There are recent records from all mountain areas of Germany and the species is only missing on the coast and in large parts of East Germany. The 5 to 10 mm large beetle and its larvae are oligophagous and live on Bedstraw (Galium) species. The beetle hibernates and can be found in the winter quarter or very early in spring, but only very sporadically. (KR/CB)
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12.01.2018
Trox scaber (L., 1767)
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21
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The hide beetle Trox scaber is one of seven species of the family Trogidae in Germany. Formerly, the family Trogidae was placed as subfamily Troginae of the scarab beetles (Scarabaeidae). The 5 to 8 mm large beetles can be found in bird nests (nidicolous), where also the development cycle takes place. They may be found in wood detritus in large hollow tree-trunks, which were inhabited by breeding birds. Occasionally, the crepuscular and nocturnal species can be observed at night outside the tree hollow on the trunk. Trox scaber is virtually of cosmopolitan distribution and occurs from the plain to the mountain range, preferably at lower altitudes and hence is e.g. rarely found in the Alps. As the most common species of the genus T. scaber is not endangered in Germany. (KR)
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05.01.2018
Hololepta plana (Sulzer, 1776)
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27
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With a size of 8 to 9 mm the Hister beetle Hololepta plana belongs already to the larger species of the Hister beetles (family Histeridae). The species is present in almost all over Central Europe, and only lacking in the northernmost areas. In Germany it is widespread, but nowhere common. The beetles prefer river meadows and alluvial forests as habitat. Due to their extremely flattened body shape they are perfectly adapted to a life under the loose bark and layers of bast of dead, lying poplar trunks (Populus). A sufficient level of moisture under the bark seems to play a more important role than warm temperatures. Under the bark the beetles and their larvae prey on the larvae and pupae of various fly species (order Diptera). (KR/CB)
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29.12.2017
Pelenomus velaris (Gyll., 1827)
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21
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The weevil Pelenomus velaris (family Curculionidae) is widespread in Europe, but locally rather rare or even absent, most notably in the southern and southeastern parts. In Germany, the occurrences of the 2.4 to 2.8 mm large species are isolated and insular. Recent records have been reported from the regions of Bavaria, North Rhine, the Lower Elbe region, Schleswig-Holstein, Brandenburg, Thuringia and Saxony. The beetles can be found during spring in the mud of former flooded areas on the sprouts of their host plant, Water Smartweed (Polygonum amphibium). At this stage P. amphibium just starts growing and is difficult to determine precisely. In the Red List of Germany Pelenomus velaris is classified as endangered (RL 3). (KR/CB)
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22.12.2017
Buprestis octoguttata L., 1758
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25
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The distribution of the Jewel beetle Buprestis octoguttata (family Buprestidae) stretches from North Africa and the Iberian Peninsula across Central Europe (the region of Atlantic climate being avoided) to Southern Russia. In Germany, the 9 to 15 mm large beetle is more common in the eastern parts than in the west. In the West its distribution is only insular. Sandy pine forests and pine heathland are the preferred habitat. The larvae develop primarily in pine (Pinus), less frequently in other pinewood, preferably in sun-exposed deadwood and stumps. Depending on the climate the larvae complete their development cycle in two to three years. From May to August (September), the beetles can be observed in the midday heat on sun-exposed deadwood. (KR)
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15.12.2017
Carabus hortensis L., 1758
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25
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The distribution of the 23-30 mm large Garden ground beetle Carabus hortensis (family Carabidae) stretches over large parts of Central Europe, in the north far into the Scandinavian countries, in the south to Northern Italy and in the east far into Russia. The beetle avoids the northwestern, western and central part of Germany. In the mountains it rises to the altimontane zone (approx. 2000 m above sea level). Carabus hortensis is a forest species and does appear as early as May, but does not reach its peak until summer. Both the old beetles, and more commonly the larvae hibernate, but in contrast to other Carabus species, very rarely under bark or in dead wood. The nocturnal species is predacious and feeds on other insects, snails and fresh carrion. (KR/CB)
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08.12.2017
Sospita vigintiguttata (L., 1758)
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27
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The 5 to 6.5 mm large Twenty-Spot Ladybird Sospita vigintiguttata (family Coccinellidae) is one of the larger species of this family and one of those that is rarely found. It is reported from all over Germany, but everywhere as rare. In the Red List of Germany it is listed as vulnerable (RL 3). The preferred habitat of the species is wetland, like brooksides, meadow valleys and alluvial forests with a linkage to alder (Alnus). The beetle occurs in two different color morphs: A black and white to black and yellow spotted morph and a yellowish-brown-white spotted morph. Due to the fact that during winter and spring only black and white spotted beetles are found, it is presumed that the beetles change their color during their lifespan. (KR)
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01.12.2017
Colobicus hirtus (Rossi, 1790)
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The distribution of the Cylindrical Bark Beetle Colobicus hirtus (family Colydiidae) stretches from Spain to Southern Europe and Central Europe to Bulgaria and further to the east. The original northernmost boundary goes right through the middle of Germany. In Germany, the 3 to 5 mm large beetle is very rare. There are only historical records from most regions. The only recent records come from Baden-Wuerttemberg and Hesse. The species is considered to be a relic of primeval forests. Beetles and larvae live on deciduous trees, mainly beech, rarely on other deciduous trees. Due to the loss of so many habitats, C. hirtus is classified as critically endangered in the German Red List (RL 1). (KR)
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24.11.2017
Xylopertha retusa (Ol., 1790)
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The distribution of the 3 to 6 mm large branch borer Xylopertha retusa (family Bostrichidae) spreads from North Africa over Southwestern and Central Europe to East Europe without the British Isles and Scandinavia. In Germany there are recent records from many Federal States except from the North. As a thermophilic species Xylopertha retusa is found in habitats with favorable warm climate, e.g. sun-exposed edges of the forests, on forest clearings, on clear cuttings and in vineyards. The development takes place in dry wood of oak (Quercus), vine (Vitis vinifera) and occasionally in chestnut (Castanea sativa). In Germany the species is not common or even rare and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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17.11.2017
Anogcodes ustulata (F., 1787)
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25
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The distribution of the 8 to 12 mm large false blister beetle Anogcodes ustulata (family Oedemeridae) spreads from Southern and Central Europe to Siberia. In Germany no records exist from Hesse, Saarland, Schleswig-Holstein and the largest parts of Lower Saxony (only old records from the Weser-Ems region). There are only historical records from Saxony and the Rhineland. The beetles are normally found during summer on flowers and are easily discovered due to their conspicuous coloration. The species exhibits a marked sexual dimorphism. The larvae develop in wood of various deciduous trees. In the Red List of Germany (1998) the species is classified under the synonym Nacerdes ustulata as vulnerable (RL 3). (KR)
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