Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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13.09.2019
Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyll., 1836
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13 
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The 1.8 to 2.4 mm large frond feeding weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus (family Curculionidae) belongs to a small genus with only two representatives in the Neotropics and one in the Nearctic. The latter has been introduced to Central Europe. S. rufinasus lives on red water fern (Azolla filiculoides), which has been introduced to Europe as well and has spread in Germany since the 1980's. The adult beetles hibernate on the waterside and can be found on their host plant in spring, where they feed on the fronds, mostly submerged. In South Africa, S. rufinasus is used for the biological control of red water fern. The voracious larvae efficiently prevent that waterways are overgrown and congested by the fern. In Germany, S. rufinasus is not on the Red List due to its status as invasive animal. (CB)
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06.09.2019
Lamia textor (L., 1758)
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24
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The weaver beetle Lamia textor is one of very few flightless longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) of the German fauna. The beetle is usually rather found by chance, when the beetles crawl slowly on the ground near their brood trees at dusk. They develop in the wood of living willow (Salix) and poplar (Populus), occasionally in alder (Alnus) and birch (Betula). Due to their long lifespan of about 300 days, the beetles can be observed from April until October, depending on the weather conditions. In former times, the beetle was regarded as common. Today the weaver beetle is very rare and not too many people have seen the beetle in the wild. Consequently, Lamia textor is classified as endangered (RL 2) in the Red List of endangered species in Germany. (KR)
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30.08.2019
Orthocerus clavicornis (L., 1758)
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23
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The 3.5 to 6 mm large cylindrical bark beetle Orthocerus clavicornis (family Colydiidae) is the more common species of the two representatives of the genus in Germany. It can be distinguished from the much rarer O. crassicornis by the very long pubescence of the clubbed antenna. The stenotopic, psammobiont species is known to occur in Northern and Central Europe, in the Caucasus and till Siberia. It can be found on sandy ground sparsely covered with vegetation, on dunes, heathland and in sand pits under lichens, especially dog lichen (Peltigera canina). In Germany the species is missing in the western Federal States, otherwise it is currently present. In the East, the species is not rare, but becomes rarer towards the west. In Germany, O. clavicornis is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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23.08.2019
Ophonus melleti Heer, 1837
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16
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The 5.5 to 8.7 mm large ground beetle Ophonus melleti (family Carabidae) is one of eleven species of the subgenus in Germany. Like most representatives of this subgenus, O. melleti exhibits well marked posterior corners of the pronotum and a brown-reddish, non-metallic coloration. The determination of the species of this group is rather difficult. Ophonus melleti is known to occur from Western Europe to the Caucasus and Asia Minor and from the southern part of Northern Europe to Southern Europe. The eurytopic, thermophilic species lives on warm slopes, in gravel pits and at the edges of gardens and forests. In Germany the species is relatively rare except in habitats with warm (micro-) climate. O. melleti is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3) in Germany. (CB)
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16.08.2019
Stenomax aeneus (Scop., 1763)
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19
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The 12 to 16 mm large darkling beetle Stenomax aeneus (family Tenebrionidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. In Europe the genus comprises seven species. Stenomax aeneus is known to occur in Southeastern Europe and the southeastern part of Central Europe, from France over Northern Italy to the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor. The stenotopic, mainly nocturnal species can be found from March to July under decaying bark and on branches of deciduous trees infested with fungi. The larvae develop in decaying wood and wood humus of deciduous trees. In Germany the species is recorded from the southern and the eastern Federal States, but is missing in the north and the west. Stenomax aeneus is not rare and is regarded as not endangered. (CB)
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09.08.2019
Omophlus lepturoides (F., 1787)
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17
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The 11-6 mm large comb-clawed beetle Omophlus lepturoides (family Alleculidae) is the largest of the three species known to occur in Germany. The genus Omophlus comprises 32 species in Europe. The stenotopic, thermophilous species lives in Southern Europe and southern Central Europe from Spain to Poland and Southern Russia and Asia Minor. The adults can be found on blossoms of umbellifers, hawthorn and fruit-bearing trees on warm slopes. The larvae develop in the ground feeding on decaying plant matter. They hibernate and pupate in early spring in a sealed cell and hatch in May. In Germany, Omophlus lepturoides is currently recorded only from Baden, the Palatinate and Rhineland and is regarded as endangered (RL 2). In the 19th century the species occurred in the entire southern half of Germany. (CB)
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02.08.2019
Ampedus erythrogonus (Müll., 1821)
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17
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The 5.5 to 7.5 mm large click beetle Ampedus erythrogonus is one of the 27 species of genus Ampedus (family Elateridae) currently known to occur in Germany. The front and rear corners of the pronotum of the otherwise black beetle are reddish, likewise its antennae and legs. The species ranges from eastern France over Northern and Central Europe to the Caucasus. It develops in decaying wood of deciduous trees and conifers, e.g. oak, beech, maple, spruce and others. The larva develops deep inside the wood humus, the pupation however takes place close to the surface underneath the bark. The adult beetle appears in early summer. In Germany A. erythrogonus is known to occur in virtually all Federal States, but is not often recorded. It is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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26.07.2019
Nemosoma caucasicum Menetries, 1832
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22
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The 5.5 to 9.5 mm large bark-gnawing beetle Nemosoma caucasicum (family Trogositidae) belongs to a very small family, originally with only four species known to occur in Germany and around 325 species globally. A few years ago Nemosoma caucasicum was recorded in Germany for the first time and has been discovered since then several times at the Kaiserstuhl on ash trees. The name of the genus is derived from the Greek words nema (thread) and soma (body) and describes the slim, elongate body shape of the beetles. Both beetles and larvae are predaceous and feed on various bark beetles living on ash trees, e.g. Hylesinus crenatus, larch elm bark beetle. Due to their body shape they can follow their prey swiftly in their galleries. (KR/CB)
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19.07.2019
Phytoecia nigripes (Voet, 1778)
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23
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The 10 to 16 mm large longhorn beetle Phytoecia nigripes (family Cerambycidae) is one of currently eight representatives of the genus in Germany. At first sight it can be confused with longhorn beetles of the genus Oberea. The pontomediterranean species is known to occur from the Pyrenees over the Alps to Southeast Europe, Syria and around the Black Sea and prefers colline to montane zones. In the Alps it reaches the subalpine zone. Phytoecia nigripes is xerothermophilic and lives on warm slopes and calcareous pasturage. The beetle develops in umbellifers, e.g. cow parsley (Chaerophyllum) and rosinweed (Silphium). In Germany, there are only recent records from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. In the Red List of Germany, Phytoecia nigripes is classified as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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12.07.2019
Anatis ocellata (L., 1758)
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25
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With a body length of 8 to 9 mm the Eyed Ladybird Anatis ocellata is the largest representative of the ladybirds (family Coccinellidae) in the German fauna. Its distribution ranges from Europe to Asia, from the lowlands to the subalpine region. The markings of the elytra are very variable. In most cases, the elytra are dark red with black spots, the latter framed with a yellow border. However, the red coloration can sample out brighter, the black spots can be reduced or even missing, so that only yellow spots remain, which changes the appearance of the beetle completely. Both adults and larvae are predaceous and feed on different aphid species. The Eyed Ladybird is one of our most common species in Germany. (KR)
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05.07.2019
Attelabus nitens (Scop., 1763)
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22
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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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28.06.2019
Pterostichus longicollis (Duft., 1812)
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21
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The 6 to 7 mm large ground beetle Pterostichus longicollis (family Carabidae) is one of numerous representatives of the genus in Central Europe. The xerophilous species is known to occur in Europe except in the north. It prefers regions with favorable warm climate, otherwise it is rather dispersed and rare. Pterostichus longicollis can be found in flood plains on xeric grassland close to groundwater, mostly on calcareous or loamy soil under stones or in detritus. Higher altitudes are usually avoided. In Germany there are only old records from the northwest, from the other Federal States recent records have been published. Altogether the species is only rarely recorded. In the Red List P. longicollis is classified as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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21.06.2019
Omalisus fontisbellaquaei Fourcr., 1785
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25
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The 5 to 7 mm large beetle Omalisus fontisbellaquaei (family Omalisidae) is the only representative of the genus and family in Germany. Its distribution ranges from Spain the Southeast Europe (Bulgaria, Hungary). In the North Germany and the Benelux countries are reached. O. fontisbellaquaei exhibits a marked sexual dimorphism with winged males and apterous, flightless females. The latter have a very covert lifestyle and are only rarely found. The elytra of the male are black with a red margin. In higher altitudes entirely black specimen are found as well. The silvicolous species lives on the edges of forests, on forest glades and clear cuttings on grasses and in the herb layer. In Germany Omalisus fontisbellaquaei is missing in the northern Federal States. The species is not regarded as endangered. (CB)
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14.06.2019
Drapetes cinctus (Panz., 1796)
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20
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The 4 to 5 mm large Drapetes cinctus (family Lissomidae) is the only representative of the family in Germany, closely related to the families Elateridae and Throscidae. The distribution ranges from Southern Europe to the southeastern part of North Europe. It avoids regions with Atlantic climate. In the south and the east it is known to occur in the Caucasus, Asia Minor and Syria. The stenotopic, mycetophilous Drapetes cinctus develops in decaying wood of deciduous trees, e.g. in beech (Fagus), birch (Betula) and oak (Quercus). On warm days, the adult beetles can be found on decaying wood and occasionally on blossoms. They escape swiftly. In Germany, the species is found only sporadically and is regarded as rare. In the Red List of endangered species Drapetes cinctus is classified as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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07.06.2019
Buprestis rustica L., 1758
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23
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With a body length of 12 to 20 mm, the Eurosiberian Jewel beetle Buprestis rustica is among the large representatives of the Jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) in Germany. The development cycle takes two to three years and takes place mainly in spruce (Picea) and fir (Abies), but also in other conifers. In Germany, Buprestis rustica prefers montane to subalpine coniferous forests at altitudes between 800 and 1000 m ASL, therefore the distribute range in Germany is limited. The species has disappeared from Westphalia and Mecklenburg-Pomerania. In Southwest Germany it is less common than in the East German occurrences. Within its distribution range Buprestis rustica is not rare, therefore the species is not included in the German Red list of endangered species. (KR/CB)
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31.05.2019
Nacerdes carniolica (Gistl., 1832)
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23
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The 12 to 15 mm large false blister beetle Nacerdes carniolica (family Oedemeridae) is one of only two species of the genus in Germany. In former times it was comprised in the genus Xanthochroa. The distribution of N. carniolica ranges from Southern to Eastern Europe. In Germany only the southern half is reached, however, the species is meanwhile much more common than 50 years ago. The stenotopic, silvicolous species lives in pine and mixed forests and develops in rotten trunks of pine and spruce. The adult beetles appear from June to August and are nocturnal. They can be found on strong-smelling blossoms, e.g. linden (Tilia), buckeye (Aesculus) and rose (Rosa). The animals contain a poison, causing blisters when brought in contact with human skin. In Germany, N. carniolica is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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24.05.2019
Chlorophorus figuratus (Scop., 1763)
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22
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The 7 to 13 mm large longhorn beetle Chlorophorus figuratus (family Cerambycidae) is one of four representatives of the genus in Germany, all of them are rather rare. The black elytra exhibit three white bands and white spots on the shoulders – similar only to C. sartor in Germany. C. figuratus is of south palearctic distribution, from Southern to Central Europe, Asia Minor, the Caucasus to Western Siberia. The stenotopic, thermophilic species lives on warm slopes and heath steppe and develops xylophagous in dead branches of elm (Ulmus), oak (Quercus), chestnut (Castanea) and others deciduous trees in a 2-year development cycle. The adults visit blossoms, they can be found from June to August on Compositae, Umbelliferae and hawthorn. In Germany the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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17.05.2019
Chrysolina staphylaea (L., 1758)
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24
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The 6 to 9 mm large Brown Mint Leaf Beetle Chysolina staphylaea (family Chrysomelidae) is one of 30 species of the genus currently known to occur in Germany. The distribution ranges from Western Europe (except Spain) into the east (Asia). In the late 19th century the beetle was also introduced into North America and is established in Canada today. The eurytopic, halotolerant species lives on marshy meadows alongside creeks and at the edges of wet forests. Chrysolina staphylaea is oligophagous and develops on mint (Mentha) and plaintains (Plantago), occasionally on Melissa and basil (Ocimum). They can be found already early in spring in hay and plant detritus. The species is known to occur throughout Germany and is not regarded as endangered. (CB)
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10.05.2019
Malvapion malvae (F., 1775)
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25
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The mallow weevil Malvapion malvae is one of the few representatives of the family Apionidae, which can be easily determined by photograph. Head and pronotum are black colored, the elytra are light brown with black shoulders and a black triangular spot around the scutellum, which can be prolonged along the elytral suture towards the apex of the elytra. The pubescence of the elytra is relatively dense, but does not obscure the color of the elytra completely and makes the species unmistakable. The 1.8 to 2.4 mm large beetles and their larvae live on mallow (Malvaceae). The larvae develop in the ovary. Malvapion malvae occurs in the whole palearctic region with the exception of Northern Europe. In Germany the species is not regarded as endangered. (KR)
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03.05.2019
Trichocellus placidus (Gyll., 1827)
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20
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The 4.2 to 5 mm large ground beetle Trichocellus placidus (family Carabidae) is one of two representatives of the family in Germany. The distribution range of the Eurosiberian species stretches from France to Western Siberia and from Fennoscandia to Hungary. The eurytopic, hygrophilous species lives on the marshy edges of meso- to eutrophic waters, on marshy meadows and in wet deciduous forests. T. placidus can ascend to the montane region up to 1000 m above sea level. It is usually found in hassocks, in moss and in vegetable detritus. The species is known throughout Germany and is not regarded as endangered. The sister species, T. cognatus, shows a more boreal distribution and can be distinguished by its pronotum, which is more contracted towards the basis in T. placidus. (CB)
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26.04.2019
Cantharis pagana Rosh., 1847
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22
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The 6 to 8.5 mm large soldier beetle Cantharis pagana (family Cantharidae) is one of 24 representatives of the family in Germany, which are at least partly not easily determined. Its distribution range stretches from Spain over Central Europe to Romania and Greece. The montane, stenotopic species lives in the Alps and in the low mountain range. In Germany there are no records from the northern Federal States. In the mountains, it reaches the tree line and can be found at the edges of forest on trees (e.g. pine and spruce) and bushes (e.g. hawthorn). In Germany Cantharis pagana is not endangered. The coloration is pretty variable, which lead to the description as C. fibulata and C. albomarginata. The latter are today considered to be synonyms to Cantharis pagana. (CB)
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19.04.2019
Dermestes frischii Kug., 1792
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21
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The larder beetle Dermestes frischii (family Dermestidae) is one of 17 representatives of the genus Dermestes in Germany. Both beetles and larvae are occasionally found on ham, bacon and other animal products, like dried fish, hides and horn and can cause damage to stored products, which is also the origin of their vernacular name. In the wild they feed on old, sundried carcasses and carrion, dry remnants of meat, but also hair and feathers, as dermestids are able to digest keratin. The distribution of Dermestes frischii ranges from the tropical regions of America and Africa to the whole holarctic region. In Germany, the species is one of the most common dermestids and is known to occur in all Federal States. (KR/CB)
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12.04.2019
Triphyllus bicolor (F., 1792)
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24
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The 3.5 to 4 mm large hairy fungus beetle Triphyllus bicolor (family Mycetophagidae) is known to occur in Central and Southern Europe as well as in the southern regions of Northern Europe. In the east, its range reaches Western Russia. In Germany, Triphyllus bicolor is recorded from all Federal States, however, it is generally regarded as rare. The stenotopic, silvicolous species is mycetobiont and develops on soft fleshed agarics on decaying wood of deciduous trees, especially oak (Quercus) and beech (Fagus). There seems to be a preference for the beefsteak fungus (Fistulina hepatica). Both beetles and larvae feed on fungal hyphae and spores. For pupation, the larvae dig themselves into the ground. In the Red List of Germany Triphyllus bicolor is classified as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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05.04.2019
Curtimorda maculosa (Naez., 1794)
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The tumbling flower beetle Curtimorda maculosa (family Mordellidae) is one of only two representatives of the genus in Germany, which can be distinguished by the silvery spots on the otherwise black elytra. Curtimorda maculosa shows a boreomontane distribution with occurrences in Fennoscandia, the low mountain range in Germany and France and in the Alps. The stenotopic species lives on openings in mixed forests, on clear cuttings and glades. It develops on stumps and decaying logs of spruce (Picea) on the fungus Trichaptum abietinum. In Germany there are records from a number of Federal States, however, the species is discovered only sporadically. In the Red List of endangered species in Germany, Curtimorda maculosa is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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29.03.2019
Callimus angulatus (Schrk., 1789)
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The 7 to 9 mm large longhorn beetle Callimus angulatus (family Cerambycidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. The distribution of the Mediterranean species ranges from Spain over Italy to the Caucasus and North Iran and reaches the south of Central Europe in the circumalpine region. In Germany the thermophilic species is restricted to the southern half and is very rare. The larva develops in dead branches as thick as an arm of oak (Quercus) and beech (Fagus). The slender, metallic blue beetles can be found on sunny days on sunny slopes and on the edges of forests on hawthorn (Crataegus) and buckthorn (Rhamnus), very rarely on other flowers (composites). In Germany Callimus angulatus is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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