Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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17.06.2022
Platydema violaceum (F., 1790)
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The darkling beetle Platydema violaceum (family Tenebrionidae) occurs from the southern part of North Europe over Central and South Europe and reaches the Caucasus in the East. In Germany, the stenotopic, mycetophilous species has been recorded throughout the country, although recent records are missing from Westphalia. The development takes place in Jew's ear (Auricularia auricula-judae), a saprophytic fungus mainly growing on elderberry (Sambucus), but also on various other deciduous trees, like beech (Fagus), birch (Betula) and elm (Ulmus). The beetle can be found throughout the year under the bark of deciduous trees, especially during the winter. While 50 years ago the species was very rare most regions in Germany, it has fortunately regained some territory over the recent decades. (TH)
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