Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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28.05.2021
Lygistopterus sanguineus (L., 1758)
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27 
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The 6 to 12 mm large Lygistopterus sanguineus belongs to the seven species of the net-winged beetles (family Lycidae) in Germany and is the only representative of the genus in our fauna. Worldwide, the genus comprises 39 species, the majority of them in the Nearctic and Neotropic. Lygistopterus sanguineus is distinguished from all other Lycidae species in the European fauna by a snout protruding from the head. The eurytopic, silvicolous species is known to occur from Europe over Asia Minor to Eastern Siberia. In Germany recent records have been reported from virtually all Federal States and the species is not endangered. It can be found at the edges of forests on flowering herbs and shrubs as well as on decaying wood, especially oak and birch. The larvae are carnivorous, whereas the adult beetles feed on pollen. (CB)
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21.05.2021
Microhoria nectarina (Panz., 1797)
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25
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The 3.8 to 4.5 mm large antlike flower beetle Microhoria nectarina (family Anthicidae) is one of two representatives of the genus present in Germany. With 90 representatives the genus is more speciose in Southern Europe. Formerly the species were counted into genus Anthicus. Microhoria nectarina is known to occur from the southern part of Central Europe to South Siberia and Central Asia. In Germany recent record have been reported from the Palatinate and Saxony-Anhalt only. M. nectarina is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1). The halotolerant species can be found at the edges of saline lakes, on heathland, in vineyards and sunny banks. Its occurrences are localized and scattered, but often with a large number of individuals. M. nectarina lives in decaying plant matter, in the low vegetation and on flowering plants. (CB)
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14.05.2021
Chlaenius nitidulus (Schrk., 1781)
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24
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The 10 to 13 mm large vivid metallic ground beetle Chlaenius nitidulus (family Carabidae) is among the more common representatives of the ten species of the genus in Germany. Worldwide 860 species from 58 subgenera have been described from the Palearctic, Nearctic and Afrotropical region. Chlaenius nitidulus is known to occur in East, Central and South Europe as well as on the British Isles. The eurytopic, hygrophilous species prefers sun-exposed, loamy watersides in floodplains and clay pits and can be found on humid calcareous soil as well. Their lifestyle is predaceous, similar to many other ground beetles. Chlaenius nitidulus is mainly crepuscular and nocturnal and hides underneath stones in wet places during the day. In Germany the species is known from most Federal States and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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07.05.2021
Platambus maculatus (L., 1758)
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20
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The 7 to 8.5 mm large diving beetle Platambus maculatus (family Dytiscidae) is the only representative of the genus Platambus in Germany, which is quite speciose in the Palearctic and to a lesser extent in the Nearctic. The stenotopic species ranges from Europe to the Caucasus and Western Siberia. It is rheophilous and lives in the stagnant water zone of slowly flowing rivers and creeks with rich vegetation as well as in the surf-zone of lakes. Often the gregarious beetles can be found at the lower side of driftwood and on the water vegetation. Beetles and larvae prey on other water insects. When disturbed they exude a defense secretion, which contains the sesquiterpene Platambin as main component (Schildknecht, 1975). In Germany, Platambus maculatus is recorded from all Federal States and is not endangered. (CB)
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30.04.2021
Onthophilus striatus (Forst., 1771)
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17
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The 2 to 2.5 mm large clown beetle Onthophilus striatus (family Histeridae) is one of four representatives of the genus in Europe. The holarctic genus comprises approx. 40 species, thereof two recorded from Germany. Some species in the genus live in the burrows of small mammals, others are phytodetricolous. Onthophilus striatus is known to occur in Southern, Western and Central Europe including the British Isles. The eurytopic, phytodetricolous species lives on grassland, in gardens and river meadows and at the edges of forests. The beetles can be found in decaying plant matter (also mushrooms), in compost, in dung heaps and straw, as well as in dung, carrion and bird nests. In Germany the species is widespread, but recent records are missing from the eastern Federal States. Onthophilus striatus is not endangered. (CB)
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23.04.2021
Lomechusa emarginata (Payk., 1789)
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24
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The 3.5 to 4.5 mm large rove beetle Lomechusa emarginata (family Staphylinidae) is the most common species of the three representatives of the genus in Germany. The myrmecophilous species is of Eurosiberian distribution. It lives on close relationship with ants: In autumn, the freshly hatched beetle leaves the nest of Formica fusca, waits a few days until the chitinous exoskeleton has hardened and the smell of F. fusca has worn off. It then hibernates in the nest of the European fire ant (Myrmica rubra). In spring it returns to the nest of Formica fusca and allows its larvae to be reared by the ants. The beetles can be found at the edges of forests and clearings, both in the ant nest but also on the lower vegetation around the nest or swarming. In Germany, L. emarginata is present in all Federal States and not endangered. (CB)
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16.04.2021
Cyrtosus ovalis (Cast., 1836)
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19
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The 3 to 4 mm large soft-winged flower beetle Cyrtosus ovalis (family Malachiidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. The first record for our fauna was made in North Baden in June 2010. In Europe the genus comprises eleven species with predominantly southern European distribution. Cyrtosus ovalis is known to occur in entire Italy. Furthermore records in Austria and Switzerland have been made. The stenotopic, thermophilous beetles prefer warm habitats, e.g. xerothermic shrubby heaths. The beetles can be found on flowers, where they feed on pollen. They are easily confused with representatives of genus Axinotarsus, but differ in coloration and the shape of the pronotum, which gets narrower towards the base. As a newcomer to the German fauna, Cyrtosus ovalis is not mentioned in the Red List. (CB)
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09.04.2021
Korynetes ruficornis Sturm, 1837
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21
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The 3.5 to 7 mm large checkered beetle Korynetes ruficornis (family Cleridae) is one of two very similar species of the genus in Germany. In former times they were not separated, but differ in the puncture of their pronotum, which is more dense and congested towards the lateral margin. Korynetes ruficornis ranges from Europe (without the far North) to Siberia. In Germany it is rarer than its sister species K. caeruleus in the North, whereas it dominates in the South. The eurytopic, silvicolous and also synanthropic species lives in forests, parks, gardens and in shelters and carpenter's workshops. Both beetles and larvae prey on saproxylic beetles, e.g. anobiid (Anobiidae) and bark beetles (Scolytidae). In Germany, Korynetes ruficornis is not regarded as endangered, but is not often recorded. (CB)
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02.04.2021
Holoparamecus caularum (Aube, 1843)
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16
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The 1.0 to 1.1 mm large handsome fungus beetle Holoparamecus caularum (family Endomychidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. Worldwide 44 species have been described, thereof seven from Europe. In the past, the genus and the comprising subfamily Holoparamecinae was counted into the family of the minute scavenger beetles (Latridiidae). Holoparamecus caularum is a cosmopolitan and is regarded as established in warmer regions of the world, including Central Europe, the subterranean region, China and California. The stenotopic, and due to its small size rather inconspicuous species lives in decaying foliage, mouldy straw, cereal compost and in the lower layers of dung heaps. The beetles feed on mould fungi. In Germany Holoparamecus caularum is known from several Federal States and is not endangered. (CB)
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26.03.2021
Tanysphyrus ater Blatch., 1928
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13
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The 1.4 to 1.8 mm large weevil Tanysphyrus ater (family Curculionidae) is the less common of the two representatives of the holarctic genus in Germany. Worldwide five species have been described, thereof three only from Siberia. Tanysphyrus ater ranges from Scandinavia and Northern Russia to the eastern part of Central Europe and the Ukraine, and is known to occur in North America, where the species was first described by Blatcheley in 1928. The stenotopic, hygrophilous beetle lives in standing waters and oxbow lakes on Purple-fringed Riccia (Ricciocarpus natans), probably also on other liverworts of genus Riccia. In Germany, the species is scattered and rare, in North and East slightly more common, in the South rare and it is missing in the West. Tanysphyrus ater is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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19.03.2021
Aspidapion aeneum (F., 1775)
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29
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The 2.9 to 3.6 mm large apionid weevil Aspidapion aeneum (family Apionidae) is one of three representatives of the genus in Germany. The eurytopic, xerophilous species ranges over the entire Palearctic, in Europe from the South to the southern part of North Europe. The beetle prefers warm and dry habitats, e.g. sunny fallow land, ruderal sites, waysides and slopes. They live on mallows, e.g. Common Mallow (Malva sylvestris) and Roundleaf Mallow (M. neglecta), in gardens also on Common Hollyhock (Alcea rosea). The larvae develop in the lower stalk and in the roots, contrary the other apionid weevils on mallows, which prefer the fruits, leaf stalks and upper stalk. The beetles hatch in autumn and appear in May of the following year. In Germany, the species is widespread and common. It is not endangered, but rare in some parts. (CB)
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12.03.2021
Phaeochrotes cinctus (Payk., 1800)
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22
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The 2 to 3 mm large fungus weevil Phaeochrotes cinctus (family Anthribidae) is the only representative of the genus in Europe. Worldwide, six species have been described. With the exception of P. cinctus they are native to Southeast Asia (Indonesia, Malaysia, Philippines), one species to Sri Lanka. The stenotopic, silvicolous Phaeochrotes cinctus is known to occur in Central and Southeastern Europe, Asia Minor till Mongolia and Nepal. It develops in sun-exposed brushwood of deciduous trees, like oak (Quercus), hornbeam (Carpinus), elm (Ulmus), hazel (Corylus) and alder (Alnus). The beetles can be found in deciduous forests, at the edges of forests and on clear cuttings. In Germany recent records are known from virtually all Federal States, but the species is not too often recorded and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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05.03.2021
Gonioctena decemnotata (Marsh., 1802)
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24
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The 5.5 to 7.5 mm large leaf beetle Gonioctena decemnotata (family Chrysomelidae) belongs to the more common representatives of the eleven species of the genus in Germany. With its black and red coloration and the entirely red legs it is still relatively easy to determine – contrary the many other species in the genus. The eurytopic species lives in Northern and Central Europe in deciduous and riparian forests. Both beetles and larvae feed on the leaves of poplar (Populus) and willow (Salix). The female exhibits brood care behavior, which is rare among leaf beetles: It resides at the stem of the leaf on which its larvae feed, and tries to fend off predators like ladybirds and ants. In Germany, recent records of Gonioctena decemnotata are known from virtually all Federal States and the species is not endangered. (CB)
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26.02.2021
Chrysobothris solieri Lap. Gory, 1837
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23
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The genus Chrysobothris belongs to the jewel beetles (family Buprestidae). There are four representatives of the genus in Germany. With 7 to 12 mm size, C. solieri is among the smaller species of the genus. The 2-year development cycle takes place in the wood of ailing or newly dead pine (Pinus), especially Scots Pine (Pinus sylvestris) in trunks and branches of diameters up to 15 cm. The infestation can be recognized by the brownish discoloration of the needles. At the end of the development the larvae hibernate in the puparium and pupate in the following year. The beetles are markedly thermophilous. The can be found during the warmest hours of the day on the host trees, where they escape swiftly when disturbed. In Germany, the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). In the recent years, the species extended its range to the north. (KR)
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19.02.2021
Acanthocinus aedilis (L., 1758)
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22
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The 12 to 20 mm large timberman beetle Acanthocinus aedilis (family Cerambycidae) is the most common species of the genus in Germany. The antennae of the female are around two times of the body length, those of the male even around five times. The stenotopic species lives in temperate to cold-temperate climate, Europe to North Balkan, the Caucasus, Siberia, Mongolia and China. It occurs in coniferous and mixed forests from the lowlands to the mountains. The diurnal beetles can be found on recently felled logs of pine. They feed on needles, bast fiber and bark of their host trees. The larvae develop within 1-2 years under the bark of pine, occasionally fir, spruce and larch. The hatch in autumn and hibernate in their puparium. In Germany recent records are known from virtually all Federal States. The species is not endangered. (CB)
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12.02.2021
Hoplia argentea (Poda, 1761)
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21
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The 9 to 11 mm large Hoplia argentea (family Scarabaeidae) is one of four species of the genus currently recorded in Germany. The species ranges from the southern parts of Central Europe to Southeast Europe and prefers montane regions. In Germany its occurrence is limited to the Alps and their foothills, the Bavarian Forest, the Swabian Jura and the Black Forest as well as the Lower Elbe region. Hoplia argentea is not endangered in Germany. It lives in open habitats with hedgerows, on meadows and at the edges of forests. The beetles feed on pollen, whereas their larvae live in the ground and feed on plant roots. The development cycle takes two years. The intense color of the beetles is caused by reflection of sunlight by their scales, the very same mechanism as in butterflies (interference color). (CB)
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05.02.2021
Trox perlatus (Goeze, 1777)
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21
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With a size of 7 to 10 mm Trox perlatus is among the largest representatives of the genus in Germany. In the past, the hide beetles (family Trogidae) were regarded as a subfamily of the family Scarabaeidae. Trox perlatus is a stenotopic and thermophilous species, which feeds on dry carrion, bones, fur and fur remains as well as hairballs. Occasionally the beetles can be found on excrements, mainly of dogs. Contrary to the other Central European representatives of the genus, it can be easily recognized by the shiny tubercles on the elytra and is unmistakable with any other Trox species in our domestic fauna. Trox perlatus is known to occur in Western and Southern Europe. In Germany the species is found only in the western part in warm and dry habitats and is generally regarded as rare and endangered (RL 2). (KR)
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29.01.2021
Bledius tricornis (Hbst., 1784)
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26
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The 5.5 to 7 mm large rove beetle Bledius tricornis (family Staphylinidae) is one of 40 representatives of the genus in Germany, which are not easily distinguished. The stenotopic species is known to occur in the southern Palearctic, from Southern Europe to the southern part of Northern Europe, Asia Minor, the Caucasus to South Siberia and China. The beetles are halotolerant, they can be found both on the coast and in the inland on sandy and loamy substrates. The front legs are of the fossorial type. The beetles dig burrow systems into the soil. When flushed with water, they come to the surface. Presumably they feed on algae. On warm days, the beetles swarm during dusk and are attracted to light sources. Bledius tricornis is recorded from virtually all Federal States, but is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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22.01.2021
Eustrophus dermestoides (F., 1792)
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15
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The 4 to 5 mm large false darkling beetle Eustrophus dermestoides (family Melandryidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. The genus is of holarctic distribution with one species in North America and three in the Palearctic. Eustrophus dermestoides ranges from Southern over Central Europe to Finland, Poland and the Baltic states. The stenotopic, mycetobiont species prefers deciduous forests and parks as habitat. They can be mainly found on the sulphur shelf (Laetiporus sulphureus) on deciduous trees, e.g. oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus) and willow (Salix). The adults appear from late spring to summer and are nocturnal. At first sight, they resemble skin beetles of genus Dermestes. In Germany, there are only old records from a number of Federal States and the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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15.01.2021
Anthicus bimaculatus (Ill., 1801)
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23
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The 3 to 3.5 mm large antlike flower beetle Anthicus bimaculatus (family Anthicidae) is one of five representatives of the genus in Germany. Worldwide, the genus Anthicus is present in all terrestrial ecozones. The distribution of the stenotopic, psammophilic Anthicus bimaculatus ranges from France over Germany, Poland and the Baltic states to Russia. Its yellow, brownish and black coloration serves as a good camouflage in its habitat, sandy edges of water bodies, both sea and inland fresh water, as well as sandy dunes, mostly at the roots of grasses and in detritus. During the day the beetles hide in the sandy substrate. At dusk the leave their hiding places in search for food. In Germany recent records are known from many Federal States, with the exception of the southeast. Anthicus bimaculatus is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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08.01.2021
Niptus hololeucus (Fald., 1836)
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25
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The 4 to 4.5 mm large Niptus hololeucus (family Ptinidae) earned its vernacular name Golden Spider Beetle due to its shiny metallic color. The synanthropic species was introduced from Russia to England for the first time in 1833 and spread from there around the world. They can be found in old buildings, e.g. timber-framed houses and multi-story buildings with wooden beam ceilings. They live and develop mainly in straw, which was used as filling and insulation material. They are nocturnal and hide in cracks and crevices during the day. Often the tenants are not aware of their presence at all, until renovation work is carried out which liberates the beetles from the wooden ceilings. Although they are regarded as a mechanical pest, the damages are only minor and they should rather be seen as nuisance pest. The species is not endangered. (KR)
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01.01.2021
Ochina latreillei (Bon., 1809)
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24
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With its orange spots at the apex of the elytra, the 2.5 to 3.8 mm large Ochina latreillei (family Anobiidae) is among the most colorful species of the family, which comprises otherwise mainly inconspicuous brown and black representatives. The stenotopic species develops in dry, decaying wood of oak (Quercus), maple (Acer) and elm (Ulmus). The beetles can be found during spring on dead branches and on blossoming bushes, mainly on hawthorn (Crataegus) by using a beating try. In Germany, there are only few records, mainly from the south. Recent records exist from Baden, Hesse and Rhineland, historic records also from Bavaria. They do only occur in regions with favorable warm climate, e.g. at the Kaiserstuhl in South Baden and in the lower Nahe valley. In Germany, Ochina latreillei is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1). (KR)
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25.12.2020
Lixus filiformis (F., 1781)
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21
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The 4 to 9.5 mm large weevil Lixus filiformis (family Curculionidae) is one of 15 representatives currently occurring in Germany. The species ranges from North Africa over Europe (without the North) to Asia Minor and Central Asia. The beetles live in warm habitats on ruderal sites, e.g. fallow land and industrial wasteland. They are oligophagous and develop in various thistle species (Carduus, Cirsium). At the end of May, the females deposit their eggs at the stalk and roots of their host. The larvae pupate in August in the lower part of the stalk in a sealed cell made from raspings. They hatch in September, hibernate in the stalk and appear in May of the following year. In Germany, Lixus filiformis is not endangered. In the North, it is still rare, but expanding. In the South it is among the more common Lixus species. (CB)
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18.12.2020
Colydium elongatum (F., 1787)
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22
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The 5 to 7 mm large cylindrical bark beetle Colydium elongatum (family Colydiidae) is one of the species of the genus in Germany and is very similar to its sister species C. filiforme. Colydium elongatum is known to occur from the southern Part of North Europe and the British Isles over Central Europe to South Russia and the Balkan. The beetles live in deciduous and coniferous forests under the bark and in decaying wood of various deciduous trees and conifers (oak, beech, spruce, fir, and others). The nocturnal beetles prey on the larvae of various bark beetle species. Presumably the larvae are predacious too, possibly the also feed on fungi growing in the galleries of their prey. In Germany, recent records are known from most Federal States. However, Colydium elongatum is still regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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11.12.2020
Oxylaemus cylindricus (Panz., 1796)
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20
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The 2.8 to 3.4 mm large dry bark beetle Oxylaemus cylindricus (family Bothrideridae) is one of the two species of the genus in Germany. It can be distinguished from the very similar O. variolosus by the sculpture of the pronotum. O. cylindricus is known to occur in Southern and Central Europe and is regarded as an Urwald relic species. The stenotopic, silvicolous beetles live under the bark and in decaying wood of dead oaks, often near ants (Lasius sp.) and in the galleries of bark beetles, where they prey on bark beetles (Xyleborus) and moss mites (Oribatida). In Germany the species is very rare and critically endangered (RL 1), although the number of records in the Upper Rhine valley increased since the mid 1990's. The beetles swarm in early summer and can be recorded by using an autokatcher. (CB)
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