Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
13.01.2023
Sphaeridium scarabaeoides (L., 1758)
|
24 
|
The 5.5 to 7.5 mm large terrestrial water scavenger beetle Sphaeridium scarabaeoides (family Hydrophilidae) is one of four representatives of the genus in Germany. Worldwide the genus comprises only somewhat more than 40 species. It can be distinguished from its very similar sister species S. lunatum by the brighter and more contoured red mark on the shoulder. The eurytopic, coprophilous species is of palearctic distribution and has been introduced to North America, where it is meanwhile established. The beetles live in fresh dung of cow, horse and sheep in various habitats. The females deposit their eggs directly in the dung, protected by a cocoon spun around them. The larvae develop in the dung. In Germany, Sphaeridium scarabaeoides is widespread and everywhere very common. (CB)
|
|
|
