Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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17.05.2019
Chrysolina staphylaea (L., 1758)
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13 
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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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19
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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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17
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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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19
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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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18
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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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20
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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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20
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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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25
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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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22.03.2019
Gonioctena fornicata Brüggemann, 1873
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19
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The Lucerne beetle Gonioctena fornicata (family Chrysomelidae) has been recorded for the German fauna for the first time in 2003. Gonioctena fornicata is one of twelve representatives of the genus in Germany, which are very similar to each other. Originally, the species is an element of the pontic fauna with xerothermic habitat requirements. Probably the species has been introduced to Baden-Württemberg with ship transports on river Rhine and its tributaries and is meanwhile established in the Upper Rhine valley. Adults and larvae of the 5 to 7 mm large species live on Lucerne (alfalfa, Medicago) and clover (Trifolium) and are classified as pests. In the US the species has been introduced several times with transports and is regarded as quarantine pest. (KR/CB)
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15.03.2019
Sibinia phalerata (Gyll., 1836)
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24
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The 2 to 2.4 mm small weevil Sibinia phalerata (family Curculionidae) is one of more than 200 species in the genus worldwide. In Germany 12 species are known to occur. The stenotopic, xerothermophilic species lives in dry and sun-exposed habitats on nutrient-poor sward, e.g. open sand dunes and gravel surfaces. Like most of the European species Sibinia phalerata develops on herbaceous plants of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), e.g. Arenaria, Cerastium, Dianthus and Silene. The distribution ranges from Europe (without the far north) to Central Asia. In Germany the species has been recorded from most Federal States (except the northwest), but is generally rare. In the Red List of endangered species Sibinia phalerata is classified as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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08.03.2019
Perigona nigriceps (Dej., 1831)
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14
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The just 2.4 to 3.2 mm large ground beetle Perigona nigriceps (family Carabidae) is the only representative of the genus in Central Europe. The species originates from the Indian Ocean and has been introduced to North America and Europe in the early 19th century. Meanwhile it has become a cosmopolitan. It is known to occur throughout Germany, but is only sporadically recorded. The eurytopic, thermophilic species is predacious and inhabits gardens, ruderal sites, dumps and landfills. It lives in compost, decaying plant matter and heaps of wood chippings, from which the beetle can be collected by sieving. The beetles are rather poor flyers and are attracted to light sources. With their black head, the short, pearl string-shaped antennae and the brownish to yellow elytra with the deeply engraved 8th sutural stria the species is easily recognized. (CB)
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01.03.2019
Trichodes alvearius (F., 1792)
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16
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The 10 to 15 mm large Checkered beetle Trichodes alvearius (family Cleridae) is one of only two representatives of the genus in Germany. It can be distinguished from its sister species by the black elytral suture and the black apical elytral stripe, which does not reach the red apex of the elytra. The species is known to occur in Southern and Central Europe. The beetles are found on blossoms, where to prey on other insects, but also feed on pollen. The females lay their eggs in the nests of solitary bees. After hatching, the larva feeds first on the egg or the young larvae of the bees, later on their pollen reserve. In the Red List of endangered species of Germany, Trichodes alvearius is classified as vulnerable (RL 3). (KR/CB)
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22.02.2019
Cytilus sericeus (Forst., 1771)
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21
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The 4.5 to 5.5 mm large pill beetle Cytilus sericeus (family Byrrhidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. Contrary to other species of the family, Cytilus sericeus is only partly able to hide its antenna and legs in cavities on its lower side, a protection mechanism that is also the origin of the family's vernacular name. Cytilus sericeus is of rounded oval body shape, the elytra are checkered metallic green to bronze-brown and black. The beetle can be found on wet meadows, in floodplains, in peat bogs and fens on moss and sphagnum. Both adult beetles and larvae feed on moss. The distribution of Cytilus sericeus ranges from Europe far into the east. In Germany there are recent records from all Federal States. The species is regarded as not endangered. (CB)
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15.02.2019
Mycetophagus quadriguttatus Müll., 1821
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21
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The 3.5 to 4 mm large Mycetophagus quadriguttatus (family Mycetophagidae) is one of ten representatives of the genus in Germany. Some of the species resemble each other quite a bit. However, they can be distinguished by their habitus, coloration and by the form of the club of the antenna. The latter is four-segmented and the last segment is barely longer than the second last in Mycetophagus quadriguttatus. The species occurs throughout the holarctic and lives in deciduous forests in mouldy detritus and brushwood of oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus) and on agarics as well as synanthropic in barns and stables in mouldy hay and straw and on moulding foodstuffs. Both adult beetles and larvae feed on mould fungi and their spores. In Germany, Mycetophagus quadriguttatus is currently recorded from all Federal States and is regarded as not endangered. (CB)
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08.02.2019
Tetratoma ancora F., 1790
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16
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The 3 to 3.5 mm large polypore fungus beetle Tetratoma ancora (family Tetratomidae) is one of three representatives of the genus in Germany. The species are characterized by their 4-membered club of the antenna, which is also reflected in the scientific name of the family. T. ancora can be easily distinguished from the sister species T. fungorum and T. desmaresti by the variable yellow markings on the elytra. The distribution ranges from Central Europe to the far north of Europe and Russia. The species develops on branches of deciduous trees, especially beech (Fagus), oak (Quercus), maple (Acer) which are infested by crust fungi (Corticium), occasionally bitter oyster (Panus stipticus) and turkey tail (Coriolus versicolor). In Germany, T. ancora is widespread, but rare (RL 3). (CB)
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01.02.2019
Pedostrangalia revestita (L., 1767)
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21
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The longhorn beetle Pedostrangalia revestita (family Cerambycidae) is known to occur in virtually all Federal States of Germany. However, due to its acrodendric lifestyle and the very special requirements of the larvae the beetle is rarely found. Some observations of animals fallen from the treetop are known, but mostly records result from specimen reared from larvae. The larvae develop in various deciduous trees, mainly in red rotted parts of living trees or in the insertion points of dead branches. The attractive species is 8 to 15 mm large and can be mixed up with Rhamnusium bicolor at first sight. However, the latter is considerably larger (15-23 mm) and has a completely different lifestyle. In Germany Pedostrangalia revestita is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (KR)
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25.01.2019
Oreina cacaliae (Schrk., 1785)
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23
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Together with other representatives of the genus Oreina the 7.5 to 10 mm large alpine leaf beetle Oreina cacaliae is among the large leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae) in Central Europe. In Germany the genus is present in the Alps, a few species have also been recorded from the Black Forest and in the Bavarian Forest. Most of the species are of bright and shiny metallic and extraordinarily variable coloration, which makes their determination pretty difficult. Oreina cacaliae is known to occur in the mountain range of Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg as well as in Saxony. The beetles feed first on Alpine Butterbur (Petasites paradoxus) and later switch to Adenostyles alliariae, on which their larvae develop. (KR)
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18.01.2019
Hypera arator (L., 1758)
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15
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The 4.5 to 6 mm large weevil Hypera arator (family Curculionidae) is one of 28 representatives of the genus in Germany. It can be distinguished from other Hypera species by its distinctive, elegant markings. The palearctic distribution range of Hypera arator spreads over North Africa, throughout Europe and till Siberia. The eurytopic, halotolerant species can be found on meadows, alongside brooks and in flood plains as well as on ruderal sites and salt marshes near dykes. They develop in various plants of the pink family (Caryophyllaceae), e.g. in pink (Dianthus), campion (Silene), catchfly (Lychnis), spurrey (Spergula), stitchwort (Stellaria) and others. In Germany the species known to occur in all Federal States and not regarded as endangered. (CB)
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11.01.2019
Deronectes aubei (Muls., 1843)
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24
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Deronectes aubei is among the few representatives of the predaceous diving beetles (family Dytiscidae) living in running water. For their life in the hyporheic zone they exhibit specific morphological adaptions. The beetle can survive submerged for over six weeks (Kehl, Dettner, Journal of Morphology, 2009, 270 (11), 1348-1355). Their camouflage is remarkable: The beetles resemble both in size and color the bracts of leaf buds and are hardly distinguished from them in running water. Their mode of movement is atypical for a diving beetle: Deronectes aubei crawls slowly on the ground, leaps up, swims a short distance and settles again on the ground. Also the movement resembles a bract flowing in the running water. In Germany, it is restricted to a few brooks in the Black Forest and is classified as extremely rare (RL R) in the Red List. (KR/CB)
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04.01.2019
Necrobia ruficollis (F., 1775)
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22
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The red-shouldered ham beetle Necrobia ruficollis (family Cleridae) is one of three representatives of the genus in Germany and can be easily distinguished by the red pronotum and the red shoulders of the elytra. In the wild, the beetles appear on old carcasses and on carrion in the later dry stages of decay, where the adults prey on the larvae of other insects, whereas the larvae of N. ruficollis feed on dry leftovers of the carcass. Presumably the origin of the species is not located in Europe, but it cannot be established unequivocally today, because the species has been distributed throughout the world with foodstuffs since centuries. In Germany there are recent records from all regions, however, discoveries are sporadic and rather rare, especially in the north. (KR)
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28.12.2018
Stelidota geminata Say, 1825
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18
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The Strawberry Sap Beetle Stelidota geminata (family Nitidulidae) was discovered at the Kaiserstuhl by G. Krumm in 2007 for the first time in Germany. The invasive species originates from the subtropical zone of the Nearctic and has meanwhile spread to most regions of Southwest Germany. Similar to Epuraea ocularis, the beetle lives on rotting fruits and can be easily found in late summer and during autumn on windfall fruits, in which the larvae develop. Gender can be easily determined by their hind tibiae, which are curved and thickened towards the apex and furthermore by the thickened foot of the forelegs in the male. In the US the species is an economic pest in strawberry cultivation. Because over-ripe fruit is especially attractive, damage is often greatest in U-Pick operations where pickers leave large numbers of (over-) ripe berries in the field. (KR/CB)
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21.12.2018
Cicones undatus (Guer., 1844)
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23
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The 2.5 to 3.5 mm large cylindrical bark beetle Cicones undatus (family Colydiidae) is one of only two species of the genus in Germany. It can be distinguished from the on average slightly larger sister species C. variegates by the lighter colored, more checkered and ribless elytra. The stenotopic species is known to occur in Southern Europe and the southern part of Central Europe und shows a discontinuous East-West distribution with occurrences in France and Poland. It was only in 1991, when C. undatus was discovered for the first time in Hesse. Since then, further records have been made in Baden-Württemberg, North Rhine-Westphalia and Saxony. The beetles can be found under the bark of staying logs of beech (Fagus) and sycamore (Acer pseudoplatanus) infested with fungi. (CB)
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14.12.2018
Latheticus oryzae Wtrh., 1880
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14
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The only 2 to 2.8 mm large Longheaded Flour Beetle Latheticus oryzae (family Tenebrionidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. It is a small yellowish brown beetle with flat slender body, a broad head and short antenna with a 5-membered club. The species originates from Southeast Asia. Meanwhile Latheticus oryzae is widespread in the tropical and subtropical region and is regularly introduced to Central Europe with rice and tapioca meal. The Longheaded Flour Beetle is thermophilic and prefers temperatures around 35 °C. Furthermore it requires a high humidity of 85%. Therefore, in Germany the species in found only synanthropic in storages and can become a pest in grains, rice and tapioca meal. Due to its climate requirements, the beetle is not yet established in Germany in the wild. (CB)
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07.12.2018
Oxymirus cursor (L., 1758)
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20
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The 16 to 30 mm large longhorn beetle Oxymirus cursor (formerly Toxotus cursor) is a representative of the subfamily Lepturinae within the longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae). The variable species is known to occur throughout Europe (with exception of the south), in the Caucasus and Siberia. The stenotopic, silvicolous Oxymirus cursor prefers coniferous forests, especially spruce forests of the montane to alpine zone as habitat. The ligniocolous and xylodetriticolous species develops in moist and rotten root wood of spruce (Picea) and pine (Pinus). On warm days the beetles swarm and can be found on old trunks and occasionally on flowers. In Germany, Oxymirus cursor is recorded from most Federal States and is not regarded as endangered. (CB)
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30.11.2018
Hippuriphila modeeri (L., 1761)
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16
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The 2 to 2.5 mm large Horsetail Flea Beetle Hippuriphila modeeri (family Chrysomelidae) is the only palearctic representative of the genus. The bronze colored, shiny metallic beetle with yellow spot towards the apex of the elytra is distributed throughout whole Europe and can be easily determined. Hippuriphila modeeri is stenotopic and hygrophilic, the species can be found in swamps, damp meadows and on the edges of forests, on brooksides and in floodplains. Both adults and larvae are monophagous and live on Common Horsetail (Equisetum arvense). During winter the beetle can be found by flood detritus sifting. In Germany, there are recent records from virtually all Federal States and the species is not regarded as endangered. (CB)
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