Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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22.11.2024
Donacia sparganii Ahr., 1810
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5 
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The 7 to 8 mm large Aquatic Leaf Beetle Donacia sparganii (family Chrysomelidae) is widespread in Northern and Central Europe. The origin of the beetle's scientific name is its host plant Sparganium simplex (Sparganiaceae), on which both the beetle and its larvae feed and develop. Due to severe habitat loss over the recent years, Donacia sparganii has become increasingly rare and is regarded as vulnerable in Germany. Most of the loss of diversified reeds is due to water pollution and enrichment with nitrogen compounds (e.g. from fertilizers). But also the increasing use by fishers, surfers and other visitors caused destructions to those habitats. (KR)
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15.11.2024
Gasterocercus depressirostris (F., 1792)
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18
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The oak bark weevil Gasterocercus depressirostris (family Curculionidae) varies considerably in length (4-11 mm) and does not develop - contrary to most other representatives of the family - on herbaceous plants, but in a 2-year development cycle in the wood of ailing oaks or rarely in beech. The species is nocturnal and appears in July and August. Its brindled squamation provides an excellent camouflage on oak bark. Gasterocercus depressirostris is found in native forests and is known to occur in Central Europe from France to Romania. In Germany recent records have been reported from Baden, the Palatinate, Hesse, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Brandenburg and the Niederelbe region. The species is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1). (CB)
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08.11.2024
Bembidion striatum (F., 1792)
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18
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The ground beetle Bembidion striatum is a representative of the countless number of species in the genus Bembidion (family Carabidae). Its distribution spreads from France to West Siberia. The beetle is mostly found in lowland regions. The 5.3 to 6.5 mm large beetle is critically endangered in Germany (RL 1) because many of its habitats have been destroyed through river regulation. The beetle requires open shore areas with fine to coarse sandy ground, which are still present along the larger rivers in Germany, but nowadays often very isolated. On such locations the beetles can be observed during springtime in warm and sunny weather, where they run around quickly and fly up swiftly when disturbed. (KR)
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01.11.2024
Allonyx quadrimaculatus (Schall., 1783)
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26
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The 4.5 to 6 mm large Checkered beetle Allonyx quadrimaculatus is one of the rarest species of the Checkered beetles (family Cleridae) in Central Europe. Its distribution spreads from Central and Southern Europe to Asia Minor. Till today the larva is unknown. The beetles prefer pine (Pinus), but sometimes can also be observed on spruce (Picea) and deciduous trees. Both beetle and larvae possibly prey on the larvae of several saproxylic beetles, such as the Jewel beetle Phaenops cyanea. The beetles can be observed crawling swiftly on dead or dying trees during the day and the night. In Germany, they are regarded as critically endangered. (KR)
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25.10.2024
Mordellochroa milleri Em., 1876
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21
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The 5.0 to 6.3 mm large tumbling flower beetle Mordellochroa milleri (family Mordellidae) was considered as a species of Southeastern Europe and France. In 2000, the species was reported from Bavaria for the first time in Germany. Records from Baden-Württemberg followed in 2009. It seems that Mordellochroa milleri migrates downstream along River Rhine, as there are meanwhile reports from Rhineland-Palatinate. It is one of three distinctive species of the genus Mordellochroa. With its striking yellow-red coloration with black eyes, elytra and tarsi it is one of the few species of the family, which are easily determined. The larvae develop in rotten wood of various trees, the beetles can be found on flowers feeding on pollen. (TH/KR)
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18.10.2024
Ampedus cardinalis (Schdte., 1865)
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26
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The click beetle Ampedus cardinalis (family Elateridae) belongs with its 12 to 15.5 mm in size to the larger species of the genus. It is one of many red-colored species that are difficult in determination. The distribution within Europe stretches from the southern part of Northern Europe across Central to Western Europe. The larvae require red-rotted hollow trees of living oak (Quercus) and do accept other deciduous trees only very rarely. Due to the loss of such habitats, the species in Central Europe is rare and therefore is classified in the red list of Germany as critically endangered to extinct. It is said, that the beetles are nocturnal. (KR)
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11.10.2024
Lycoperdina succincta (L., 1767)
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18
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The distribution of the Handsome Fungus Beetle Lycoperdina succincta (family Endomychidae) stretches from Denmark and Sweden over Central Europe and Southeastern Europe to Eastern Europe. In Germany it is recorded from most parts of the country, but from some parts there are only old records. Habitats are open, sparsely vegetated places, such as slowly overgrowing heathland. The larvae develop in puffballs (Lycoperdon and Vascellum) and earthstars (Geastrum). The pupa is found from September, the new beetles from October in the fungus. The beetles hibernate, usually in the fungi, in the spore mass. In the German Red List it is classified as endangered. (KR)
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04.10.2024
Lichenophanes varius (Ill., 1801)
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23
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The distribution of the Bostrichid beetle Lichenophanes varius is the Western Palearctic. It is one of a small number of representatives of Bostrichid beetles (family Bostrichidae) in Central Europe and with 8 to 12 mm body length, one of the large species of this family. In Central Europe the rare species survived from the time of the primeval forests. The eggs are laid in dead, standing beech (Fagus sylvatica). The larva lives for several years, mainly in the dry wood of trunks and thick branches. During daytime the beetles hide in the burrows of the larvae and leave them only at night. After dark, they can be very well observed by using a torch light. (KR)
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27.09.2024
Sisyphus schaefferi (L., 1758)
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22
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The distribution of the 6.5 to 12 mm large Dung beetle Sisyphus schaefferi (family Scarabaeidae), very closely related to the bigger Dung Beetles of the genus Scarabaeus, stretches over Southern and Central Europe. The beetles prefer sheep dung. They form a pill of the dung and roll it to a suitable place, where they bury it. For each dung pill a hatchery is made. The dung pill is changed into the form of a pear and an egg is placed in it. In contrast to the species of the genus Copris no brood care, but only maternal care is practiced. The beetles themselves feed on dung, too, but unlike the Scarabs do not produce a dung pill to feed on, but eat the dung on the spot. (KR)
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20.09.2024
Spondylis buprestoides (L., 1758)
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14
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For a Longhorn Beetle Spondylis buprestoides (family Cerambycidae) looks rather strange. The antennae of the 12 to 24 mm long beetles are rather short and just reach the rear edge of the pronotum, contrary to other Longhorn Beetles with antennae of almost body length. The cylindrical body shape makes it look even stranger. The development takes place mainly in pine (Pinus), but also in spruce (Picea), fir (Abies) and larch (Larix). The beetles can be found in summer mostly on and under timber wood. Although they are primarily nocturnal and usually hide during daytime, the beetle can be occasionally observed flying to timber wood on warm summer days. (KR)
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13.09.2024
Leistus spinibarbis (F., 1775)
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22
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The distribution of the 7.7 to 10.4 mm large Ground Beetle Leistus spinibarbis (family Carabidae) stretches across the Mediterranean region, Southwest and Central Europe. Habitats of the beetles are warm and dry biotopes, such as Calluna heathland and dry and sunny slopes of the lower altitudes. The beetles do even occur in the low mountain range in suitable habitats, but do not go up too far. Confusion with L. fulvibarbis and L. rufomarginatus is possible. However, the latter prefer completely different habitats. Leistus spinibarbis has noticeably lost habitats in Germany over the last few years and was therefore included in the German Red List as "V" (vulnerable). (KR)
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06.09.2024
Chalcophora mariana (L., 1758)
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24
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With its length of 24 to 30 mm, the Pine Borer Chalcophora mariana is the largest species of the jewel beetles (family Buprestidae) in Central Europe. Today in Germany its occurrence is limited to parts of the former GDR and the southern Federal States. The development cycle is reported to take two (Southern Europe) to four (Central) years. Dead pine wood is the preferred brood substrate. It can be inhabited for several generations and can be finally broken down into dust. The beetles can be observed on pine trunks and stumps in clear cut areas between 10 and 15 hrs, as the beetles are found only in the midday heat. Earlier or later activity is rare. (KR)
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30.08.2024
Hypera dauci (Ol., 1807)
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20
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With a body length of 5-7 mm, the nicely patterned weevil Hypera dauci (family Curculionidae) is among the larger representatives of the genus Hypera. The xerophilous species lives on dry and sandy locations sparsely covered by vegetation, e.g. ruderal sites and sand pits from Southern Europe to the southern part of Northern Europe. Both beetles and larvae feed on leaves and flower buds of Redstem filaree (Erodium cicutarium). Hypera dauci is a nocturnal species. During daytime the beetles hide on the ground below the plant. The spotted, grey-brown elytra provide an excellent camouflage for the beetle on sandy ground and the beetle is easily overlooked. (CB)
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23.08.2024
Gibbium psylloides (Czenp., 1778)
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13
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The Smooth Spider Beetle Gibbium psylloides (family Ptinidae) is 2 to 3.2 mm in size with a mite-like appearance. It is one of several synanthropic species of the family with cosmopolitan distribution. Usually they are found in old buildings with faulty-grounds filled with straw and chaff. But they are also found in old barns, or in pharmacies for example in containers with old herbs. Beetles and larvae live in and feed on dry vegetable (grain, fruits) and animal matter (wool, hair, feathers) and can occasionally cause damage to the infested goods. If they occur in large numbers, the nocturnal beetles can be very annoying and it is difficult to eliminate them. (KR)
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16.08.2024
Dircaea australis Fairm., 1856
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22
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The conspicuous, yellow and black colored Dircaea australis belongs to the darkling beetles (family Melandryidae) and is 8-12 mm long. It is known to occur in Central Europe (France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, Slovakia, Romania, Latvia) and in the south of Northern Europe (Sweden). In Germany, the species has been recorded in Westphalia and more recently in the Palatinate. D. australis is a rare, xylodetriticolous relic of primeval forests and develops mostly in white-rotted beech (Fagus sylvatica), occasionally in lime tree (Tilia) and in Common Whitebeam (Sorbus aria). In sunny weather the swift beetles can be observed. In Germany, D. australis is regarded as critically endangered. (CB)
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09.08.2024
Epitrix atropae Foudr., 1860
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15
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The tiny Belladonna flea beetle is only 1.5-2 mm long and belongs to the leaf beetles (family Chrysomelidae). The stenotopic species is known to occur in Western and Central Europe. In Germany it is not recorded from the northern and eastern Federal States. Epitrix atropae can be found in forests, on clear cuttings and glades, where its host, belladonna (Atropa belladonna) grows. Occasionally the species is recorded from henbane (Hyoscyamus) and boxthorn (Lycium). The beetles are phyllophagous and cause characteristic feeding traces on the foliage. The larvae develop on the roots below the ground. If disturbed, the beetles escape swiftly with a huge jump (name of the subfamily!). (CB)
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02.08.2024
Tetratoma fungorum F., 1790
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19
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Tetratoma fungorum belongs to the polypore fungus beetles (family Tetratomidae), closely related to the Melandryidae. It is 4-4.5 mm long and exhibits a yellow to red pronotum and dark blue metallic elytra, and is characterized by its capitate antenna with 4 enlarged apical members (name!). T. fungorum is known to occur in Central Europe and the southern part of Northern Europe, and reaches the Caucasus in East. The mycetobiont species develops in various fungi (Piptoporus betulinus, Polyporus squamosus and Laetiporus sulphureus) on deciduous trees (beech, oak, birch and others). T. fungorum is present throughout Germany, preferentially in the low mountain range. (CB)
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26.07.2024
Asida sabulosa (Fuessl., 1775)
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15
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The darkling beetle Asida sabulosa (family Tenebrionidae) is the only species in Central Europe of a genus that is represented in the Mediterranean region through a variety of very similar species. The center of distribution of this 11-15 mm long beetle is located in Southwest Europe. In Central Europe the species reaches Rhineland-Palatinate. The populations in the Volcanic Eifel are the northernmost currently known. The species requires warm and dry screes, sparsely covered with vegetation. Besides from Rhineland, A. sabulosa is only known from the Saarland. For the Palatinate and Hesse it is reported as missing or extinct. (KR)
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19.07.2024
Carabus intricatus L., 1761
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21
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With a length of 24-36 mm the Blue Ground Beetle Carabus intricatus is among the larger species of the genus Carabus (family Carabidae) in Central Europe. The rather rare species lives in sparse, deciduous forests in the low mountain range and prefers south-facing slopes, but is also occasionally found in suitable habitats of the lowlands. Like many other Carabus species it forms wintering communities under the bark of dead trees, partly together with other carabid beetles. Similar to other species of the genus, it is regarded as beneficial organism for preying on snails, caterpillars and other pests. In Germany, C. intricatus is strictly protected by Federal Law. (KR)
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12.07.2024
Gnorimus variabilis (L., 1758)
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21
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The Variable Chafer Gnorimus variabilis belongs to the family Scarabaeidae, and is very closely related to the well-known Rose Chafers (genus Cetonia and Protaetia). At 17 to 22 mm length, it is a large species for the Central European fauna. The larva develops in red-rotted hollow trees of oak and beech, but also in red-rotted wood of lying trunks. The rare species is widespread in Central- and Southern Europe and is mostly found in its brood substrate, much lesser on flowers such as elderberry and others. Evidence for its presence is often provided by leftovers of beetles preyed by birds around the brood substrate, rather than by observation of the beetle itself. (KR)
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05.07.2024
Hylobius transversovittatus (Goeze, 1777)
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22
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The Loosestrife root weevil Hylobius transversovittatus belongs to the weevils (family Curculionidae). The 9-11 mm long, reddish-brown species develops on Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicaria) on wetlands. The nocturnal beetles appear in April and start feeding on foliage and young stems. After oviposition in May, the larvae hatch and begin to mine the stem or root in a 1-2 year development cycle. The species is distributed throughout Europe, but is only occasionally found due to its nocturnal lifestyle. In the 90s, Hylobius transversovittatus was introduced into the US and Canada for biocontrol of Loosestrife and is now established on many sites across the US. (CB)
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28.06.2024
Aesalus scarabaeoides (Panz., 1794)
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22
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With a length of 5-7 mm the stag beetle Aesalus scarabaeoides is the smallest member of the stag beetles (family Lucanidae) in Central Europe. The beetle is very similar to the ones of genus Trox (Trogidae). It develops in red-rotted, moist to wet oak wood. The beetle is found throughout the year in oak logs where it develops, together with the larvae. It is rarely found outside of the wood and then only at night. The species is widespread in Central and Southeast Europe and mainly found in the old forests with a high percentage of deadwood, but everywhere it is rare or very rare. The beetle can fly and is attracted to light. (KR)
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21.06.2024
Oberea erythrocephala (Schrk., 1776)
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27
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The Leafy Spurge Stem Boring Beetle Oberea erythrocephala belongs to the longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae). The slender beetles are 9-14 mm long and are active fliers. The larval development cycle takes one year in the stem and root of Leafy Spurge (Euphorbia sp.). As a markedly xerothermophilic species, O. erythrocephala can be found from May to July on arenaceous heathland and sun exposed mountain slopes in southern Central Europe. In 1980, the species was introduced to the US and Canada for pest control of Leafy Spurge on grassland and was released in several states. Meanwhile, it is established in a few states. (CB)
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14.06.2024
Palmar festiva (L., 1758)
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20
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The Cypress jewel beetle Palmar festiva belongs to the jewel beetles (family Buprestidae). The thermophilic species with Mediterranean distribution develops in juniper and was a rare species in Germany until a few years ago. It was known to occur localized on the southern Swabian Alb. Since 2003, P. festiva spreads quickly in the southern river Rhine valley. The new host is thuja, which is common in gardens as hedgerow. Depending on the severity of the infestation, the thuja dies off within 2-3 years. The successful change of hosts has turned the former rare species into a "pest". The current legal conservation status is being considered. (CB)
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07.06.2024
Trichosirocalus horridus (Panz., 1801)
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20
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The 3.4 to 4 mm large weevil Trichosirocalus horridus (family Curculionidae) has a characteristic bristly appearance. The species is known to occur from Western, Central and Southern Europe to Western Asia. However, in Germany it is not present in all regions. The beetle appears end of May and deposits its eggs on various thistle species. The larvae burrow through the stem into the root, where they pupate. Recently, two species have been separated from Trichosirocalus horridus, which can be only distinguished by examination of internal anatomic features and by their different host pants. One of them, Trichosirocalus mortadelo, is thought to occur in Germany as well, with the consequence that old records of T. horridus now need revision. The species is only found in warm and dry habitats and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3) in Germany. (MS)
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