Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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27.03.2020
Ips typographus (L., 1758)
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28 
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The 4.1 to 5.5 mm large European spruce bark beetle Ips typographus (family Scolytidae) is one of five species of the genus in Germany. It is known to occur in Europe, Asia Minor, Siberia and in the Far East. In the North it reaches Lapland. As a serious pest they infest mainly spruce (Picea), but also larch (Larix), pine (Pinus) and fir (Abies). The beetles are attracted to vulnerable hosts and communicate with pheromones, so that more beetles are attracted to the already attacked host. The beetles burrow through the weakened bark in order to build tunnels where they mate and lay eggs. Under favorable weather conditions, the development cycle takes six weeks. With three generations per year outbreaks are possible. Prevention and control is done by removing infested and surrounding at-risk trees from the forest. (CB)
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20.03.2020
Dirhagus lepidus (Rosh., 1847)
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28
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The 4 to 6 mm large false click beetle Dirhagus lepidus (family Eucnemidae) is one of three quite similar species of the genus in Germany. In Europe, 5 species are known to occur. It can be distinguished from its sister species by the prolonged lateral edge of the pronotum and the domed scutellum. The distribution of Dirhagus lepidus ranges from the Pyrenees to Russia. The stenotopic, silvicolous species prefers old deciduous forests. The saproxylobiont larvae develop in decaying wood of old logs, stumps, branches and wood stacks of oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus), willow (Salix), maple (Acer) and alder (Alnus). In Germany, Dirhagus lepidus has been recorded from numerous Federal States, however, records are rare and dispersed and the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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13.03.2020
Tenebrio opacus Duft., 1812
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29
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The 16 to 18 mm large Mealworm beetle Tenebrio opacus (family Tenebrionidae) is the rarest representative of the three species of the genus in Germany. T. opacus is known to occur from the southern part of North Europe to Greece. Contrary to the synanthropic sister species T. molitor and T. obscurus, the stenotopic and xylodetriticolous T. opacus prefers old, hollow trees, mainly oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus) and occasionally common horse chestnut (Aesculus). The larvae develop in the dry, nutrient-rich detritus, interspersed with insect remains, feathers, bones and fungal mycelium. The beetles are nocturnal and appear from May to July. In Germany, Tenebrio opacus has been recorded from most Federal States. However, records are rather rare and the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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06.03.2020
Perileptus areolatus (Creutz., 1799)
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26
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The 2.2 to 2.8 mm large river shingle beetle Perileptus areolatus (family Carabidae) is the only representative of the genus Perileptus in Germany, which comprises approx. 50 species worldwide. P. areolatus is a Eurosiberian species with occurrences from Europe to West Siberia, in the Mediterranean, Asia Minor and North and East Africa. The stenotopic, hygrophilous and ripicolous species prefers exposed riverine sediments, mainly gravel and shingle, but occasionally they are found on sandy substrates at the edges of stagnant water, e.g. at quarry ponds. They can be sieved from flood debris as well. Both adults and larvae are predaceous. In Germany the species is a relic in the East German lowlands, in the North it is mostly missing. Hence, P. areolatus is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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28.02.2020
Lignyodes enucleator (Panz., 1798)
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27
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The 3.4 to 4.7 mm large weevil Lignyodes enucleator (family Curculionidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. In Europe only three species are known, compared to more than 20 in the US. Lignyodes enucleator is known to occur from Spain over Central and Eastern Europe to the Caucasus and Asia Minor. The stenotopic, silvicolous species can be found from end of March to mid of June in warm riverside woodland and parks at low altitudes. The species is monophagous and lives on European ash (Fraxinus excelsior). The larvae develop in the seeds. In October they hatch from the seeds and pupate in the soil. In Germany, recent records exist from the southern states, in the north the species is missing. Lignyodes enucleator is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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21.02.2020
Sitaris muralis (Forst., 1771)
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29
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The 8 to 10 mm large blister beetle Sitaris muralis (family Meloidae) is one of seven representatives of the genus in Europe and the only Sitaris-species in Germany. It is known to occur from Portugal over Spain and France to Greece and North Africa and is regarded as an eastern palearctic and holomediterranean faunal element. S. muralis is thermophilic with a synanthropic tendency. The beetles can be found from August to September on drywalls, loess escarpments and in the dwelling zone on house walls and under balconies. The larvae are parasitic and develop in the nests of bees of the genera Anthopora, Anthidium and Osmia. In Germany the species is known from the western Federal States and shows expansion tendencies since a few years. Sitaris muralis is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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14.02.2020
Cerapheles terminatus (Menetr., 1832)
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26
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The 3 to 4 mm large soft-winged flower beetle Cerapheles terminatus (family Malachiidae) is one of four representatives of the genus in Europe and the only Cerapheles-species in Germany. It is known to occur from France and South England over Central Europe, the Caucasus, Asia Minor and Syria to Iran. The stenotopic, paludicolous species lives in bogs, on swampy meadows, at the edges of ponds and in river meadows. The floricolous beetles can be found on the blossoms of yellow iris (Iris pseudacorus) where they feed on pollen. The larvae live in flood debris of Common reed (Phragmites communis). In Germany there are recent records from virtually all Federal States. However, Cerapheles terminatus is not recorded too often and it is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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07.02.2020
Lycoperdina bovistae (F., 1792)
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27
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The 4 to 4.5 mm large handsome fungus beetle Lycoperdina bovistae (family Endomychidae) is one of 16 palearctic and only two representatives of the genus in Germany. Its distribution ranges from Western and Central Europe to Southwestern Europe and the southern part of Northern Europe. In Germany the species is not present in the northern Federal States. The eurytopic, mycetophagous species lives in forests, on clearings and at the edges of forest of the colline to montane zone. The beetles can be found on puffballs (Calvatia, Vascellum, Lycoperdon, Bovista) and earthstars (Geastrum). The beetles can be found from March to October in the puffballs, mostly covered with spores. The larvae hibernate in the fruit body. In Germany the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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31.01.2020
Anisotoma humeralis (F., 1792)
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24
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The 2.7 to 4 mm large round fungus beetle Anisotoma humeralis (family Leiodidae) is by far the most common representative of the five species of the genus in Germany. It is characterized by the red basal marks and the pubescence of the elytra which distinguish it from the otherwise pretty similar Anistoma axillaris. The species is known to occur throughout Europe, from Lapland to the Mediterranean region and in Asia Minor. Anisotoma humeralis is eurytopic and lives in forests, parks and river meadows on fresh or sporulating slime molds (Eumycetozoa). They can be found from April to early August under bark and on branches and stumps infested with fungi. In Germany recent records are known from all Federal States and Anisotoma humeralis is regarded as not endangered. (CB)
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24.01.2020
Hister quadrimaculatus L., 1758
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25
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With a body length of 7 to 11 mm Hister quadrimaculatus is among the larger representatives of the clown beetles (family Histeridae) in Germany. The species is known to occur in Southern and Central Europe as well as North Africa, circummediterranean from Spain to Greece and Asia Minor, in the North it reaches Southern England. The eurytopic, xerophilous species prefers warm and dry habitats in the lowlands. It is found on carrion, decaying plant matter and in dung of cow and horse. Beetles and larvae prey on insect larvae, mainly of genus Aphodius. In Germany H. quadrimaculatus is recorded from the southern Federal States and from Saxony-Anhalt and the Lower Elbe region. Otherwise recent records from the northern States are missing. The species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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17.01.2020
Mycetophagus multipunctatus F., 1792
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22
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The 4.2 to 4.5 mm large hairy fungus beetle Mycetophagus multipunctatus (family Mycetophagidae) is one of ten representatives of the genus in Germany. The palearctic species ranges from France to Siberia and Korea. In Europe it reaches the far north, but is missing in Southeast Europe, Greece and Asia Minor. Mycetophagus multipunctatus is stenotopic and prefers deciduous and mixed forests and lives on polyporous bracket fungi (Polyporus) on beech (Fagus), oak (Quercus) and poplar (Populus). Both beetles and larvae feed on the mycelium and spores of the fungus. In Germany recent records are known from virtually all Federal States. However, Mycetophagus multipunctatus is only occasionally found, and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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10.01.2020
Anthaxia manca (L., 1767)
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205
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The 7 to 11 mm large jewel beetle Anthaxia manca (family Buprestidae) is one of 16 representatives of the genus currently recorded for Germany. Due to its coloration it is unmistakable in our fauna. Anthaxia manca is known to occur from the Iberian Peninsula to Southern Russia and Iran plus a relic population in North Africa. The stenotopic, thermophilous species prefers warm regions, sunny floodplains and parks in the lowlands. The larvae develop in thin branches of sun-exposed, dying elm (Ulmus). The swift adults can be found in May and June on sun-exposed trunks and wood stacks. In Germany, the species occurs in the south and east, and is missing – with the exception of the Lower Elbe region – between North Rhine and Mecklenburg-West Pomerania. It is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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03.01.2020
Neophytobius quadrinodosus (Gyll., 1813)
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21
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The 1.9 to 2.5 mm large weevil Neophytobius quadrinodosus (family Curculionidae) is one of twelve representatives of the former genus Phytobius in Germany, which has been divided into Phytobius, Pelenomus and Neophytobius. The stenotopic, hygrophilous species is known to occur from Northern and Central Europe to Siberia. It is missing in the Mediterranean region. N. quadrinodosus prefers regosols sparsely covered with vegetation, humid neglected grasslands and ruderal sites. Based on more recent findings, creeping cinquefoil (Potentilla reptans) seems to be the true host. The larval stages have not been scientifically described yet. In Germany, N. quadrinodosus is widespread, but only occasionally found and seems to be extinct in some regions. Still it is not regarded as endangered. (CB)
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27.12.2019
Cryptocephalus primarius Har., 1872
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The 4.5 to 7 mm large pot beetle Cryptocephalus primarius (family Chrysomelidae) is among the larger representatives of the 52 Cryptocephalus species currently recorded in Germany. It is known to occur on the Iberian Peninsula, in France, Italy, Germany, Switzerland, Czech Republic and on one site on the British Isles. The stenotopic, xerothermophilous species lives in warm habitats only, e.g. calcareous grassland on dry, warm sheltered hillsides. The beetles are phyllophagous and feed on common rock rose (Helianthemum nummularium). The larvae develop in the ground in leaf litter below shrubs, preferably hazel (Corylus avellana). In Germany, C. primarius reaches the northern border of its territory in Thuringia and the Rhineland and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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20.12.2019
Cardiophorus ruficollis (L., 1758)
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18
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The 5.7 to 7.2 mm large click beetle Cardiophorus ruficollis (family Elateridae) is one of seven species of the genus currently recorded in Germany. All of them exhibit the typical heart-shaped pronotum, the origin of the genus name. The stenotopic, xerophilous species is known to occur from the Pyrenees over Central Europe to Russia, with the exception of the far north. On the British Isles the last records were made in the early 19th century and the species is thought extinct. Cardiophorus ruficollis lives in sandy regions with old, sparse conifer forests. The adults can be found on blossoming pines and bushes. Their carnivorous larvae develop in rotten trunks of spruce (Picea) and pine (Pinus). In Germany Cardiophorus ruficollis is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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13.12.2019
Bembidion modestum (F., 1801)
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20
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The 4 to 5 mm large ground beetle Bembidion modestum (family Carabidae) is one of 85 species of the genus Bembidion currently recorded in Germany. Contrary to most representatives of the genus, which are difficult to determine, Bembidion modestum can be easily recognized by the orange-red band across the last third of the elytra. The species is distributed in Europe from the Pyrenees to the Balkans and prefers montane regions, although records from the lowlands are known as well. The stenotopic, hygrophilous species requires pioneer habitats at pebbly or sandy-pebbly riverbanks and edges of quarry ponds. Advancing succession or lack of natural fluvial dynamics quickly wipes out populations. In Germany Bembidion modestum is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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06.12.2019
Troglops albicans (L., 1767)
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19
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The 2.7 to 3.0 mm large soft-winged flower beetle Troglops albicans (family Malachiidae) is one of two species of the genus in Germany. Similar to other representatives of the family, Troglops albicans exhibits a sexual dimorphism: The male has a pair of excitatory glands giving off a gustatory secretion, which is licked by the female and reduces her initial aversion against mating. Troglops albicans can be found on the edges of forests, in gardens and in sparse floodplain forests. The beetles live on trees and shrubs, mainly hawthorn (Crataegus), where they feed on pollen. The eurytopic species occurs in Europe from Spain to the Black Sea. In Germany recent records are limited – with the exception of the Lower Elbe region – to the southern half. Troglops albicans is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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29.11.2019
Brachygluta perforata (Aube, 1833)
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19
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The 1.9 to 2.0 mm large short-winged mold beetle Brachygluta perforata (family Pselaphidae) is one of eight representatives of the genus in Germany. Among the otherwise difficult to determine Brachygluta species, the male can be easily recognized by the deep grooves at the end of the first tergite. The eurytopic, hygrophilous species is known to occur in Europe from Northern Spain over France, Germany and Italy to Southern Croatia. In Germany it is found in warm regions, mostly on moist spots at the base of dry slopes, e.g. in the river Rhine cutoffs of North Baden. There are no records from the northern half of Germany, and the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). Brachygluta perforata can be found in decaying plant matter where they are thought to prey mainly on mites. (CB)
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22.11.2019
Tachyusa balteata (Er., 1839)
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22
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Due to its conspicuous coloration, the 2.8 to 3.2 mm large rove beetle Tachyusa balteata (family Staphylinidae) is the representative easiest to determine among the seven species of the genus in Germany. The stenotopic, ripicolous species lives on natural or semi-natural banks of flowing waters on sandy or pebbly ground. With their long legs they move swiftly on their substrate. Tachyusa balteata is known to occur in Central and Southern Europe. In Germany it is found in the southern half of the country and reaches the northern border of its territory in Rhineland, Hesse, Thuringia and Saxony. It prefers montane habitats, although records from the lowlands exist as well. Due to loss of habitats by river training and pollution Tachyusa balteata is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3) in Germany. (CB)
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15.11.2019
Laccophilus ponticus Sharp, 1882
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The 3 to 4 mm large Puzzled Skipper Laccophilus ponticus (family Dytiscidae) is one of three representatives of the genus in Germany. Worldwide, approximately 170 Laccophilus species are known. Laccophilus ponticus, recently also named L. poecilus, is known to occur in Southern and Central Europe and becomes rarer towards the North. In the northern Federal States of Germany no records are available, on the British Isles the species has strongly declined and only very few occurrences do still exist. Partially the species is missing in the lowlands. The stenotopic, tyrphophilous and subhalophilous species is predaceous and lives in fresh to slightly brackish drains in lowland fens. In Germany, Laccophilus ponticus is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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08.11.2019
Coeliodes ilicis Bedel, 1885
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22
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The 1.8 to 2.0 mm large weevil Coeliodes ilicis (family Curculionidae) is one of seven quite similar representatives of the genus in Germany. With their conspicuous coloration and white bands on the elytra they resemble a leaf bud, which provides them with a good camouflage on their host trees. Coeliodes ilicis is known to occur in the Mediterranean Region and Western Europe. In France the species reaches the Vosges in the northeast. In Germany, the only known records are from the Nahe valley. The stenotopic, thermophilous species can be found at sun-exposed edges of forests on Holm oak (Quercus ilex) and in the north of their distribution range on English Oak (Quercus robur). In Germany, Coeliodes ilicis is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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01.11.2019
Mantura chrysanthemi (Koch, 1803)
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The only 1.8 to 2.5 mm large flea beetle Mantura chrysanthemi (family Chrysomelidae) is one of six representatives of the genus in Germany. The main distribution range is Europe (without the southernmost regions) and Northern Asia (without China). Furthermore the species is adventive in the USA and Canada. As a stenotopic, xerophilous and halotolerant species Mantura chrysanthemi lives on heathland, steppe, dunes, dry mountain slopes and banks, and on ruderal sites. The species develops oligophagously on Sheep's Sorrel (Rumex acetosella), but also on French Sorrel (Rumex scutatus) and Common Knotgrass (Polygonum aviculare). The larva mines in the leaves. Mantura chrysanthemi is recorded from all Federal States and is not endangered. (CB)
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25.10.2019
Myrmechixenus subterraneus (Chevr., 1835)
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20
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The only 1.3 to 1.6 large darkling beetle Myrmechixenus subterraneus (family Tenebrionidae) was counted among the family Colydiidae under the genus name Myrmecoxenus. It is one of only two species of the genus in Germany. Myrmechixenus subterraneus lives in the temperate zone of Central Europe and is missing both in the far north and in the Mediterranean region. The stenotopic, myrmecophilous species can be found on grassland, on the edges of forests and on clearings in the nests of ants of the genus Formica, mainly F. rufa (Southern wood ant) and F. pratensis (European red wood), where the beetles live in the upper layers of the nests, often in abundance. In Germany, Myrmechixenus subterraneus is recorded from most Federal States and is not endangered. (CB)
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18.10.2019
Anillus caecus Jacquelin du Val, 1851
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The only 2.2 to 2.6 mm large blind ground beetle Anillus caecus (family Carabidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. The main distribution range of the species is the Western Mediterranean where the anophthalmic, endogeic species lives under large stones deeply embedded into the ground. The first German population was discovered in 2000 in Ludwigsburg (Baden Württemberg) during tree felling measures. Most probably the beetles have been introduced some time ago with earth and roots. Meanwhile they have established a stable population, similar to other isolated populations in Northern France and Belgium. Due to insufficient data the potential endangerment of the species is unclear and the conservation status consequently is RL D. (CB)
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11.10.2019
Exochomus nigromaculatus (Goeze, 1777)
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The 4 to 5 mm large ladybird Exochomus nigromaculatus (family Coccinellidae) is the rarer of the two representatives of the genus in Germany. The stenotopic, xerophilic species is distributed throughout the southern Palearctic and lives mostly on dry heathland, occasionally in pine forests and fens. The beetles can be found on Common Heather (Calluna), heaths (Erica) and Scotch Broom (Cytisus). The beetles prey on aphids, especially the mealy plum aphid Hyalopterus pruni. Although there are recent records from virtually all Federal States in Germany, the species is not often recorded and it is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). In contrast, its sister species Exochomus quadripustulatus is very common throughout Germany and is not endangered. (CB)
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