Featured speciesText © K. Reißmann, T. Hörren, M. Stern, F. Bötzl and C. Benisch
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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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23
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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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18
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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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13
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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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13
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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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19
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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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19
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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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04.10.2019
Oedostethus quadripustulatus (F., 1792)
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13
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The only 3 to 4 mm large click beetle Oedostethus quadripustulatus (family Elateridae) is the more common of the two representatives of the genus in Germany. The stenotopic, psammophilic species lives on sandy riverbanks and coasts and can be found in the lower vegetation and underneath stones, often gregarious. Oedostethus quadripustulatus is known to occur from Spain over Central Europe to Siberia, in the north its distribution range reaches South Sweden. The species is also present in North America. In Germany there are recent records from numerous Federal States and the species is not regarded as endangered, although it is recorded only sporadically. The sister species O. tenuicornis is much rarer. It is known only from Bavaria and is regarded as endangered (RL 2). (CB)
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27.09.2019
Lasiorhynchites coeruleocephalus (Schall., 1783)
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20
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The 4 to 5.5 mm large tooth-nosed snoutbeetle Lasiorhynchites coeruleocephalus (family Rhynchitidae) is known to occur from North Africa over Spain and Central Europe to the Carpathians and are not too often recorded. The larvae develop in pine (Pinus sylvestris), whereas the adults feed on Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and Downy Birch (Betula pubescens). The adult beetles appear in May on birches. Oviposition takes place in June on pine. During oviposition, the adults regularly visit birches for feeding. As a stenotopic, thermophilic species Lasiorhynchites coeruleocephalus prefers dry and warm habitats at low altitudes. However, in Southern Europe it also reaches montane habitats. In Germany, the species has been recorded from many Federal states and is not considered endangered. (CB)
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20.09.2019
Ocypus fulvipennis Er., 1840
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20
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The 12 to 14 mm large rove beetle Ocypus fulvipennis (family Staphylinidae) is one of those representatives of the currently 19 species of the genus in Germany, which is only occasionally recorded. Ocypus fulvipennis is known to occur from Western Europe (without Spain), over the British Isles and Scandinavia to Eastern Siberia. In Germany there are no records from the northern Federal States. Like to other representatives of the genus, Ocypus fulvipennis is carnivorous and preys on various other insects. The thermophilic and xerophilic species can be found on warm mountain slopes, calcareous grassland, dry edges of forests, ruderal sites and secondary dry grassland, often under stones or moss. In Germany, Ocypus fulvipennis is regarded as not endangered. (CB)
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13.09.2019
Stenopelmus rufinasus Gyll., 1836
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16
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The 1.8 to 2.4 mm large frond feeding weevil Stenopelmus rufinasus (family Curculionidae) belongs to a small genus with only two representatives in the Neotropics and one in the Nearctic. The latter has been introduced to Central Europe. S. rufinasus lives on red water fern (Azolla filiculoides), which has been introduced to Europe as well and has spread in Germany since the 1980's. The adult beetles hibernate on the waterside and can be found on their host plant in spring, where they feed on the fronds, mostly submerged. In South Africa, S. rufinasus is used for the biological control of red water fern. The voracious larvae efficiently prevent that waterways are overgrown and congested by the fern. In Germany, S. rufinasus is not on the Red List due to its status as invasive animal. (CB)
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06.09.2019
Lamia textor (L., 1758)
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31
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The weaver beetle Lamia textor is one of very few flightless longhorn beetles (family Cerambycidae) of the German fauna. The beetle is usually rather found by chance, when the beetles crawl slowly on the ground near their brood trees at dusk. They develop in the wood of living willow (Salix) and poplar (Populus), occasionally in alder (Alnus) and birch (Betula). Due to their long lifespan of about 300 days, the beetles can be observed from April until October, depending on the weather conditions. In former times, the beetle was regarded as common. Today the weaver beetle is very rare and not too many people have seen the beetle in the wild. Consequently, Lamia textor is classified as endangered (RL 2) in the Red List of endangered species in Germany. (KR)
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30.08.2019
Orthocerus clavicornis (L., 1758)
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29
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The 3.5 to 6 mm large cylindrical bark beetle Orthocerus clavicornis (family Colydiidae) is the more common species of the two representatives of the genus in Germany. It can be distinguished from the much rarer O. crassicornis by the very long pubescence of the clubbed antenna. The stenotopic, psammobiont species is known to occur in Northern and Central Europe, in the Caucasus and till Siberia. It can be found on sandy ground sparsely covered with vegetation, on dunes, heathland and in sand pits under lichens, especially dog lichen (Peltigera canina). In Germany the species is missing in the western Federal States, otherwise it is currently present. In the East, the species is not rare, but becomes rarer towards the west. In Germany, O. clavicornis is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). (CB)
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23.08.2019
Ophonus melleti Heer, 1837
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16
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The 5.5 to 8.7 mm large ground beetle Ophonus melleti (family Carabidae) is one of eleven species of the subgenus in Germany. Like most representatives of this subgenus, O. melleti exhibits well marked posterior corners of the pronotum and a brown-reddish, non-metallic coloration. The determination of the species of this group is rather difficult. Ophonus melleti is known to occur from Western Europe to the Caucasus and Asia Minor and from the southern part of Northern Europe to Southern Europe. The eurytopic, thermophilic species lives on warm slopes, in gravel pits and at the edges of gardens and forests. In Germany the species is relatively rare except in habitats with warm (micro-) climate. O. melleti is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3) in Germany. (CB)
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16.08.2019
Stenomax aeneus (Scop., 1763)
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21
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The 12 to 16 mm large darkling beetle Stenomax aeneus (family Tenebrionidae) is the only representative of the genus in Germany. In Europe the genus comprises seven species. Stenomax aeneus is known to occur in Southeastern Europe and the southeastern part of Central Europe, from France over Northern Italy to the Balkan Peninsula and Asia Minor. The stenotopic, mainly nocturnal species can be found from March to July under decaying bark and on branches of deciduous trees infested with fungi. The larvae develop in decaying wood and wood humus of deciduous trees. In Germany the species is recorded from the southern and the eastern Federal States, but is missing in the north and the west. Stenomax aeneus is not rare and is regarded as not endangered. (CB)
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