Notable beetle records from GermanyRecords, photos and text by C. Benisch, 2008–2016
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12.09.2009 (published on 13.09.2009)
Record of Claviger testaceus in the arid floodplain of Grißheim
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On September 12th, 2009 four specimens of the short-winged mold beetle Claviger testaceus was found in an ant nest (Lasius sp.). The species is highly adapted to the life with ants and can't survive outside the ant nest. The eyes are atrophied. The beetle excretes a secretion highly attractive to the ants, which in turn feed the beetle. The beetle also feeds on the larvae of ants. In Germany, Claviger testaceus is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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16.08.2009 (published on 13.09.2009)
Record of Tropideres albirostris in the state forest Molzau near Huttenheim
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3
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On August 16th, 2009 a single specimen of the fungus weevil Tropideres albirostris was found in the state forest Molzau near Huttenheim. The species develops in oak, rarely in beech. Besides specimen with white pattern on their elytra, occasionally specimen with a yellowish pattern (a. quercinus). In Germany, Tropideres albirostris is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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15.08.2009 (published on 13.09.2009)
Record of Lema cyanella at the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg
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On August 15th, 2009 a single specimen of the leaf beetle Lema cyanella was found in the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg. The species develops in thistle (Cirsium sp.). It is easily distinguished from the species of the closely related genus Oulema by the central emarginate pronotum. Lema cyanella is recorded from all-over Germany, but it is found only occasionally (RL 3).
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14.08.2009 (published on 13.09.2009)
Record of Pteleobius kraatzi at the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg
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On August 14th, 2009 a single specimen of the bark beetle Pteleobius kraatzi was found in the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg. In Germany, the tiny species (1.8–2.0 mm) is recorded only from the south-west and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3). It develops in elm trees. It is distinguished from the closely related P. vittatus by its alternately raised elytral intervals.
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12.08.2009 (published on 13.09.2009)
Record of Leptura aurulenta in the Bössinger Forest near Zeutern in the Kraichgau
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On August 12th, 2009 a single specimen of the longhorn beetle Leptura aurulenta was observed in the forest 'Bössinger Wald' near Zeutern (Kraichgau). The species develops in the wood of various deciduous trees and exhibits a marked sexual dimorphism. Leptura aurulenta is known to occur in Southern Europe and the southern part of Central Europe. In Germany, the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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12.08.2009 (published on 13.09.2009)
Record of Siagonium quadricorne in the Bössinger Forest near Zeutern in the Kraichgau
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On August 12th, 2009 two specimens of the rove beetle Siagonium quadricorne were observed in the forest 'Bössinger Wald' near Zeutern (Kraichgau). The species is occasionally found under the bark of old deciduous trees, often gregarious. The males exhibit cheeks prolonged to protruding horns. In Germany, Siagonium quadricorne is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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08.08.2009 (published on 08.08.2009)
Record of Agrilus sinuatus at the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg
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On August 8th, 2009 a single specimen of the jewel beetle Agrilus sinuatus was found on an ailing hawthorn by using a beating tray. The cupreous purple colored species is 4.5–10 mm long and develops in rosaceous plants, mainly in hawthorn and pear and can be detrimental to the latter. Agrilus sinuatus is recorded from most parts of Germany, but is only rarely found in the wild. Usually it is recorded by rearing from larvae. In Germany the species is not regarded as vulnerable.
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31.07.2009 (published on 02.08.2009)
Record of Eustrophus dermestoides in the Lampertheim Forest (South Hesse)
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2
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On July 31st, 2009 one single specimen of the false darkling beetle Eustrophus dermestoides was found on an oak tree populated by Cerambyx cerdo. The nocturnal, stenotopic species develops in sulphur shelf (Laetiporus sulphureus) and in decaying wood of deciduous trees. Eustrophus dermestoides is 4–5 mm long and its habitus strongly reminds of a skin beetle of the genus Dermestes. In Germany, Eustrophus dermestoides is classified as vulnerable (RL 3).
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31.07.2009 (published on 02.08.2009)
Record of Thymalus limbatus in the Lampertheim Forest (South Hesse)
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On July 31st, 2009 two specimens of Thymalus limbatus (family Peltidae) were found at night on a dead beech infested with fungi. The nocturnal species with shiny cupreous color is 5–7 mm long and its habitus reminds of genus Cassida at first sight. Thymalus is saproxylic and feeds on fungi. It is found in forests with a sufficient amount of deadwood, from the planar to the montane zone on deciduous trees and conifers, mostly sporadic and rare. In Germany, Thymalus limbatus is classified as vulnerable (RL 3).
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31.07.2009 (published on 02.08.2009)
Observation of Trichoferus pallidus in the Lampertheim Forest (South Hesse)
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On July 31st, 2009 one single specimen of the extremely rare longhorn beetle Trichoferus pallidus was observed. The first record in the Lampertheim forest was made in 2004. The nocturnal species develops in dying oaks, often together with Cerambyx cerdo. Only few recent records of the Urwald relict species are known from Baden, Hesse, the Palatinate and Saxony-Anhalt. In Germany Trichoferus pallidus is classified as critically endangered (RL 1).
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11.07.2009 (published on 13.07.2009)
Observation of Dicerca berolinensis in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt
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On July 11th, 2009 the jewel beetle Dicerca berolinensis was observed in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt on a dead beech tree. The species is distributed from Central Europe to Westsiberia, from Germany recent records are known from the Southern Federal States and Brandenburg. The development cycle takes 3–4 years in European beech or hornbeam in the trunk or large branches exposed to sunlight. The diurnal, highly thermophilous beetles can be observed on populated trunks. When disturbed, the beetles drop off the trunk. In Germany, Dicerca berolinensis is classified as endangered (RL 2) and is protected by Federal law.
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11.07.2009 (published on 13.07.2009)
Observation of Megopis scabricornis in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt
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On July 11th, 2009 the rare and large longhorn beetle Megopis scabricornis (30–50 mm) was observed in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt on an old beech tree. The species is known to occur in Central and Southern Europe as well as in Turkey and Syria. The crepuscular and nocturnal species develops in a 3–4 year cycle in various deciduous trees (beech, apple, cherry, willow, poplar and others). In Germany the species has been recently recorded from Baden, the Palatinate, Hesse and Brandenburg. In Germany Megopis scabricornis is classified as critically endangered (RL 1) and is protected by Federal law.
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28.06.2009 (published on 02.07.2009)
First record of Acylophorus glaberrimus in the forest 'Bienwald' (Rhineland-Palatinate)
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On June 28th, 2009, two specimens of the rove beetle Acylophorus glaberrimus were discovered at a small pond near Minfeld (Rhineland-Palatinate). The species is 6–7 mm long and displays very characteristic geniculate antennae. It can be distinguished from the closely related A. wagenschieberi by its shorter scape, reddish knees and feet and red fifth tergite. In Germany, Acylophorus glaberrimus is recorded from several regions and is classified as vulnerable (RL 3). The present discovery constitutes the first record for the Palatinate.
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27.06.2009 (published on 08.07.2009)
Observation of Abax carinatus in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt
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On June 27th, 2009 in total three specimens of the ground beetle Abax carinatus were observed in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt. Like all German species of the genus, the black, compact species is characterized by its raised 7th elytral interval and the absence of seta in the 3rd interval. It is easily distinguished from other Abax species by the puncture of the basal depressions. In Germany the hygrophilous species is found in forest and river valleys. Abax carinatus is classified as vulnerable (RL 3).
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27.06.2009 (published on 02.07.2009)
First record of Aphodius scrutator in the forest 'Bienwald' (Rhineland-Palatinate)
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On June 27th, 2009, six specimens of the very rare dung beetle Aphodius scrutator were recorded from cow grazing land near Minfeld on the border of the forest 'Bienwald'. The beetles were singly found in skin-dry cow dung. According to Horion (1958) Aphodius scrutator is an element of the Ponto-Mediterranean fauna. Recent records from Germany are from Bavaria and from the Kaiserstuhl in South Baden (Geis). The current discovery constitutes the first record of Aphodius scrutator for the Palatinate. In Germany, the stenotopic, thermophilous species is classified as endangered (RL 2).
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25.06.2009 (published on 08.07.2009)
Observation of Anoxia villosa near Hockenheim
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On June 25th, 2009, hundreds of specimens of the scarabaeid beetle Anoxia villosa were observed swarming at dawn near Hockenheim. In Germany the species occurs in the sandy areas of the Rhine river plains. In the Mediterranean countries Anoxia plays a role similar to the cockchafer (Melolontha sp.) in Central Europe. In Germany, Anoxia swarms approx. 4 weeks after Melolontha, and essentially at the same time like the June bug (Amphimallon sp.), but is much bigger than Amphimallon and strongly resembles Melolontha, except the pubescent lower side and the 4–/5–membered lamellate antenna. In Germany Anoxia is classified as vulnerable (RL 3).
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20.06.2009 (published on 02.07.2009)
Record of the longhorn beetle Judolia sexmaculata at the Hornisgrinde (Northern Black Forest)
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On June 20th, 2009, two specimens of the longhorn beetle Judolia secmaculata were discovered on the Hornisgrinde (Northern Black Forest) on 1100 m above sea level. The boreomontane species develops in various conifers (Picea, Abies, Pinus, Larix). The diurnal species is usually found on flowers, but sporadically and seldom. Recent records are known from the low mountain range of South and Central Germany. Judolia sexmaculata is classified as endangered (RL 2).
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13.06.2009 (published on 08.07.2009)
Record of Phaeochrotes cinctus in the forest 'Bienwald'
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On May 10th, 2009, one single specimen of the fungus weevil Phaeochrotes cinctus was recorded in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt. The small species (2.0–3.0 mm) is found on dead branches infested with fungi, mostly on various deciduous trees (Quercus, Carpinus, Ulmus, Alnus, and others). In Germany Phaeochrotes cinctus is classified as vulnerable (RL 3).
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06.06.2009 (published on 08.07.2009)
Records of Rhynchaenus alni at the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg
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Between June 6th and June 17th, 2009, several specimens of the jumping weevil Rhynchaenus alni were discovered on elm trees at the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg. The pretty, stenotopic species develops in elm trees and can be beaten from young elm trees or shoots on older elm trees. Formerly, Rhynchaenus alni was recorded from virtually all Federal States in Germany. Today, from several Federal States only old records (before 1950 or even before 1900) are known. In Germany, R. alni is classified as vulnerable (RL 3).
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05.06.2009 (published on 02.07.2009)
Record of Obrium cantharinum in the floodplain of the old Rhine river bed
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On June 5th, 2009, one single specimen of the longhorn beetle Obrium cantharinum was discovered on a dead branch of poplar in the vicinity of the nuclear power plant Philippsburg. The beetle is 5–10 mm long and can be distinguished from to common Obrium brunneum by its black femora, tibia and antenna. The species develops in small branches of deciduous trees, poplar being largely preferred. Obrium cantharinum is a rare species (RL 2) and most probably nocturnal. Records of the adult beetle in the wild are rather rare, most often the beetle is reared from dead branches of poplar.
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28.05.2009 (published on 08.07.2009)
Record of Clytus lama in the Schierbach valley near Neuler (Wurttemberg)
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On May 28th, 2009, one single specimen of the longhorn beetle Clytus lama was discovered in the Schlierbach valley near Neuler. Amongst numerous longhorn beetles exhibiting wasp mimicry (e.g. genus Xylotrechus, Clytus, Plagionotus), Clytus lama can be only confused with the very common C. arietis. However, it is easily distinguished from the latter by its yellow-brown antenna, which are not thickened and darkened towards the apex. Clytus lama is a stenotopic, silvicolous species of the montane to subalpine region and is currently recorded from South and East Germany. The species is classified as vulnerable (RL 3).
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25.05.2009 (published on 08.07.2009)
Record of the myrmecophilous histerid Hetaerius ferrugineus in the Lampertheim forest
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On May 25th, 2009, one specimen of the histerid beetle Hetaerius ferrugineus was recorded in the Lampertheim forst in South Hesse. The tiny species (1.5–2.0 mm) is myrmecophilous, it lives in the nests of various ant species. H. ferrugineus is xerothermophilous and can be usually found in ant nests on hillside situations with exposure to sunlight, preferentially in nests under pieces of wood, from which the beetle can be collected. The species feeds on dead and diseased ants. In Germany H. ferrugineus is classified as vulnerable (RL 3).
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24.05.2009 (published on 02.07.2009)
Record of the carrion beetle Ablattaria laevigata in the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg
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On May 24th, 2009, one single specimen of the carrion beetle Ablattaria laevigata was found at the old river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg. Unlike many other carrion beetles, Ablattaria laevigata is not found on carrion, but is a specialized predator of snails. The black beetle is characterized by its apically rounded convex pronotum, the shape of the antenna and the barely corrugated elytra. In Germany the species is mainly recorded from areas with favorable warm climate and is classified as endangered (RL 2).
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17.05.2009 (published on 02.07.2009)
Record of the tumbling flower beetle Hoshihananomia perlata in the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg
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On May 17th, 2009, one single specimen of the tumbling flower beetle Hoshihananomia perlata was discovered on a flower at the old river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg (North Baden). Like most tumbling flower beetles Hoshihananomia perlata escapes extremely swiftly especially at higher temperatures. The beetle develops in birch. Recent records are known from many federal states of Germany, however the species is not very often recorded. In Germany the species is classified as endangered (RL 2).
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10.05.2009 (published on 02.07.2009)
Record of the dung beetle Euoniticellus fulvus in Grißheim (Baden)
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On May 10th, 2009, one specimen of the very rare dung beetle Euoniticellus fulvus was discovered near Grißheim (South Baden) in fresh sheep dung. The Ponto-Mediterranean species is currently only known to occur in Baden and Hesse. In Baden, older records are known from the Lilienhof (Kaiserstuhl) and from the 90s from the grazing land 'Schelinger Viehweide'. The stenotopic, xerothermophilous species prefers fresh, almost liquid dung of horses, sheep and cows. In Germany Euoniticellus fulvus is classified as critically endangered (RL 1).
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