Notable beetle records from Germany

Notable beetle records from Germany Records, photos and text by C. Benisch, 2008–2016
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03.07.2010 (published on 03.07.2010) *Record of Reesa vespulae* near Flörsheim-Dalsheim**
2	On July 3^rd, 2010 one specimen of the skin beetle Reesa vespulae was discovered on the low vegetation alongside railway tracks near Flörsheim-Dalsheim. The small, 2.8-3.8 mm long beetle is originally native to North America and feeds on dead insects in the nests of bees and wasps. Since the 1960's it spreads in Europe. Like other representatives of the family, it can cause damage in museum collections and warehouses.

01.07.2010 (published on 03.07.2010) *Record of Otiorhynchus smreczynskii* on the 'Friesenheimer Insel' in Mannheim**
3	On July 1^st, 2010 three specimens of the weevil Otiorhynchus smreczynskii were found on the 'Friesenheimer Insel' in Mannheim under leaves of Lonicera sp. touching the ground. The original range is Eastern Europe, but meanwhile O. smreczynskii advances to Central Europe and has recently arrived in Southwestern Germany. The species develops in privet and lilac. With some experience it can be easily recognized by its plump build, the pubescence of the elytra and the multi-pointed tooth on the femora.

27.06.2010 (published on 03.07.2010) *Record of Abdera quadrifasciata* on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim**
4	On June 27^th, 2010 one specimen of Abdera quadrifasciata (family Melandryidae) was found on dead oak infested with fungi by using a beating tray. The distribution of this thermophilous species ranges from Western to Eastern Europe. In Germany, A. quadrifasciata reaches the northernmost border of its range. The species develops in branches of various deciduous trees infested with fungi, mainly oak, but also beech, hornbeam and hazel. A. quadrifasciata is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).

26.06.2010 (published on 03.07.2010) *Record of Anthaxia fulgurans* in the arid floodplain of Grißheim**
2	On June 26^th, 2010 two specimens of the rare jewel beetle Anthaxia fulgurans were found in the arid floodplain of Grißheim (South Baden) on flowering yarrow. The 4-7 mm long, thermophilous species occurs from the northeast of Spain across southern Central Europe to Syria and the Ukraine and develops in rosaceous plants. It can be distinguished from the similar species A. podolica, A. salicis and A. suzannae by the profoundly embossed puncture at the apex of the elytra. A. fulgurans is critically endangered in Germany (RL 1).

26.06.2010 (published on 03.07.2010) *Record of Rhyncolus reflexus* in the arid floodplain of Grißheim**
3	On June 26^th, 2010 three specimens of the weevil Rhyncolus reflexus were found in the arid floodplain of Grißheim (South Baden) by sifting wood detritus from a hollow poplar. The tiny species (2.5-3 mm) develops in decaying wood of deciduous trees, especially horse chestnut. It can be distinguished from the other representatives of the subfamily by the flat, protruding margin at the apex of the elytra. In Germany, R. reflexus is regarded as endangered (RL 2).

20.06.2010 (published on 22.06.2010) *Record of Bryaxis collaris* in the Schlierbach valley near Neuler (Württemberg)**
2	On June 20^th, 2010 a single specimen of the short-winged mold beetle Bryaxis collaris (family Pselaphidae) was discovered in the Schlierbach valley near Neuler (430 m ASL). The animal was found in a spruce forest near the brook 'Schlierbach' by sifting old fir cones. The tiny species is only 1.3-1.45 mm long. The males are easily recognized by their characteristic antenna. They are predators of mites. Recent records are known from Southern Germany. B. collaris is regarded as endangered (RL 2).

13.06.2010 (published on 15.06.2010) *Record of Cylindromorphus filum* on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim**
2	On June 13^th, 2010 several specimens of the jewel beetle Cylindromorphus filum were found on a south-facing slope on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim in the lower vegetation. The small (3.2-5 mm) and slender beetle develops in grasses and prefers xerothermic habitats, like steppe or dry grassland or fallow vineyards. Its range includes Southeast Europe and some regions in Central Europe. In Germany, C. filum is recorded from only a few Federal states and is regarded as endangered (RL 2).

13.06.2010 (published on 15.06.2010) *Record of Labidostomis lucida* on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim**
3	On June 13^th, 2010 two specimens of Labidostomis lucida (family Chrysomelidae) were found on a south-facing slope on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The xerothermophilous species prefers dry grassland and fallow vineyards as habitats. L. lucida is polyphagous and develops in various herbs. It can be distinguished from other species of the genus by the fine and sparse puncture of the pronotum and the long antennae. In Germany L. lucida is regarded as endangered (RL 2) with recent records from only a few Federal States.

12.06.2010 (published on 15.06.2010) *Record of Trinodes hirtus* in the city forest of Frankfurt**
2	On June 12^th, 2010 numerous specimens of Trinodes hirtus (family Dermestidae) were observed in the city forest of Frankfurt. The tiny, inconspicuous species is only 1.5-2.5 mm long and can be found in hollow trees at and in cobwebs, where it feeds on the leftovers of captured insects. Trinodes hirtus is distributed across Europe and reaches North Africa and the Caucasus. In Germany, T. hirtus is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3) with recent records from virtually all Federal States.

04.06.2010 (published on 08.06.2010) *Record of Enicmus testaceus* in the forest 'Bienwald' near the Bienwaldmühle**
1	On June 4^th, 2010 one specimen of the minute scavenger beetle Enicmus testaceus (family Latridiidae) was found in the Lauter floodplain in the Bienwald near Bienwaldmühle by using a beating tray on a rotten branch. The small species is only 1.5-2.2 mm long and is characterized by its broad oval build and the broad pronotum with flattened sides. It develops in puffballs and slime molds as well as in tree fungi on beech and willow. The stenotopic species is recorded from most Federal States, but is only found occasionally. It is regarded as endangered (RL 2).

03.06.2010 (published on 08.06.2010) *Record of Selatosomus cruciatus* in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt**
2	On June 3^rd, 2010 one specimen of the click beetle Selatosomus cruciatus (family Elateridae) was discovered by M. Holtkamp in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt in the lower vegetation. The attractive species is 10-14 mm long and is known to occur from Siberia over Northern and Central Europa to the Pyrenees as well as in North America. It can be found during May and June on shrubs on forest edges. In Germany S. cruciatus is recorded from many Federal States, but becomes increasingly rare in the west. It is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).

01.06.2010 (published on 02.06.2010) *First record of Cyrtosus ovalis* (Cast., 1836) for Germany**
3	On June 1^st, 2010 three specimens of the Malachiidae Cyrtosus ovalis (Cast., 1836) were found on the 'Friesenheimer Insel' in Mannheim by using a beating tray on the herb layer (2 males, 1 female). At first sight, the species reminds of a representative of genus Axinotarsus, but the pronotum is more slender and narrows towards the basis. The stenotopic, thermophilous species is known to occur in the whole Italian Peninsula, further records are known from Austria and Switzerland. The present discovery constitutes the first record from Germany.

01.06.2010 (published on 02.06.2010) *Record of Otiorhynchus dieckmanni* on the 'Friesenheimer Insel' in Mannheim**
2	On June 1^st, 2010 three specimens of the weevil Otiorhynchus dieckmanni were found on the 'Friesenheimer Insel' in Mannheim by using a beating tray on hazel bushes. The nocturnal species is polyphagous and can be found on various herbaceous plants and bushes. The larva is rhizophagous and can become a pest. Otiorhynchus dieckmanni is often found synanthropic, as in this case, e.g. in gardens, parks and dumps. The species is known to occur in Germany, France, the Netherlands and Sweden.

30.05.2010 (published on 30.05.2010) *Record of Lasiotrechus discus* in the floodplain near Oberhausen-Rheinhausen**
2	On May 30^th, 2010 two specimens of Lasiotrechus discus were found in the floodplain near Oberhausen-Rheinhausen under a heavy trunk near a large pond. The species is mostly found on heavy, clayish soil at water's edges under stones. Probably it lives in the subterranean burrows of small mammals. It is also regularly reported from high-water litter deposits. The species is attracted to light. Lasiotrechus discus occurs in all Federal States of Germany, but scattered and rare.

24.05.2010 (published on 25.05.2010) *Record of Ochina latreillei* on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim**
3	On May 24^th, 2010 one specimen of the very rare anobiid beetle Ochina latreillei was found on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim by using a beating tray on a hawthorn abloom. The small (2.5-3.8 mm), stenotopic species develops in dry, rotten branches of oak, maple and elm, on which the beetle can be found. Recent records from Germany have been reported from a few warm locations in Baden, the Rhineland and Hesse. In Germany, Ochina latreillei is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1).

23.05.2010 (published on 25.05.2010) *Record of Ischnodes sanguinicollis* in the arid floodplain of Grißheim**
3	On May 23^rd, 2010 two specimens of the rare click beetle Ischnodes sanguinicollis were found in the arid floodplain of Grißheim (South Baden). The species develops in hollow trees filled with wood detritus which is in contact with the ground. The hatched beetle can be found during wintertime in the detritus. The imago appears in spring and is active in the afternoon. Both specimens were found swarming in the late afternoon in warm weather. In Germany, I. sanguinicollis is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1).

21.05.2010 (published on 25.05.2010) *Record of Trox perlatus* in the Bössinger forest near Zeutern (Kraichgau)**
2	On May 21^st, 2010 one specimen of the hide beetle Trox perlatus (family Trogidae) was found on the dry, warm edge of the forest 'Bössinger Wald' near Zeutern. The stenotopic, thermophilous species lives on dry carrion, bones, pellets and hides. Among the domestic representatives of the genus Trox it is easily recognized by the shiny tubercles on the elytra. Trox perlatus is known to occur only in Western Germany in is found only occasionally. In the Red List the species is classified as endangered (RL 2).

15.05.2010 (published on 15.05.2010) *Record of Attagenus punctatus* in the city forest of Frankfurt**
1	On May 15^th, 2010 one specimen of the skin beetle Attagenus punctatus (family Dermestidae) was found in the city forest of Frankfurt by using a beating tray on a hawthorn abloom. The small, 3.5 to 5 mm large species exhibits characteristic patches of white scales on the black pronotum and elytra. It develops in rotten trunks of oak and common hornbeam. A. punctatus is known to occur from Central and Southern Europe to the Caucasus. In Germany, A. punctatus is rather rare and is regarded as endangered (RL 2).

08.05.2010 (published on 09.05.2010) *Record of Emus hirtus* in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt**
3	On May 8^th, 2010 two specimens of Emus hirtus were discovered in the forest 'Bienwald' near Scheibenhardt on a fresh dunghill (cow dung). E. hirtus is among the largest and most attractive rove beetles (family Staphylinidae) of our fauna. The species can be found on fresh cow dung, where both the adults and their larvae prey on fly maggots. E. hirtus is widespread in Germany, but rarely found, and is regarded as endangered (RL 2).

08.05.2010 (published on 09.05.2010) *First record of Polydrusus sparsus* for the Palatinate and first record for Germany after v. Heyden (1904)**
2	On May 8^th, 2010 one specimen of the weevil Polydrusus sparsus was found on a shrubbery of willow and alder close to a few small ponds near Minfeld (Bienwald, Southern Palatinate). The stenotopic species prefers cool and humid habitats and develops in Black Alder (Alnus glutinosa), Crack Willow (Salix fragilis) and Common Osier (Salix viminalis). This discovery constitutes the first record for the Palatinate and the first record for Germany since v. Heyden's record for Hesse (1904). The current status in the Red List of Germany is extinct (RL 0).

01.05.2010 (published on 02.05.2010) *Record of Hedobia regalis* at the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg**
2	On May 1^st, 2010 one specimen of the anobiid beetle Hedobia regalis was found in the river Rhine floodplain near Philippsburg. It looks pretty similar to H. imperialis, but can be distinguished from the latter by four delicate longitudinal ribs on the elytra. It develops in various deciduous trees. Recent records exist from locations with favorable warm climate in Southern Germany. In Germany, Hedobia regalis is regarded as endangered (RL 2).

18.04.2010 (published on 19.04.2010) *Record of Mycetophagus fulvicollis* in the forest 'Untere Lußhardt' near Kirrlach**
2	On April 18^th, 2010 one specimen of Mycetophagus fulvicollis was found in the forest 'Untere Lußhardt' between Reilingen and Kirrlach on a lying dead beech log. Records from Western Germany are rather rare and there are only very few records from Baden-Württemberg. The beetle develops in standing or lying wood of beech and linden infested with fungi. Mycetophagus fulvicollis is regarded as endangered (RL 2) in Germany.

17.04.2010 (published on 18.04.2010) *Record of Rhynchaenus lonicerae* in the arid floodplain of Grißheim**
2	On April 17^th, 2010 numerous specimens of the flea weevil Rhynchaenus lonicerae were found in the arid floodplain of Grißheim (South Baden). The stenotopic, monophagous species develops in Fly honeysuckle (Lonicera xylosteum), which occurs in sparse deciduous forests on semi-shade locations. The small (2.5-3.0 mm), pretty species is restricted to the South and Southeast of Germany today. Before 1900 is was also recorded from Western Germany. Rhynchaenus lonicerae is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3) in Germany.

11.03.2010 (published on 15.03.2010) *Rearing of Orchesia luteipalpis* from alder bracket from the forest 'Treburer Unterwald' near Mörfelden**
2	On February 7^th, 2010 a few specimens of the alder bracket (Inonotus radiatus) were collected from dead alder in the forest 'Treburer Unterwald' near Mörfelden (South Hesse) and stored at home at room temperature. On March 11^th, 2010, the first specimen of the rare false darkling beetle Orchesia luteipalpis hatched from the fungi. The species can be distinguished from other Orchesia species by its narrow forehead and its clavate antennae with 4 larger apical members. In Germany, the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2).

27.02.2010 (published on 27.02.2010) *Record of Phloiophilus edwardsii* in the Bössinger Forest near Zeutern in the Kraichgau**
2	On February 27^th, 2010 two specimens of Phloiophilus edwardsii were found in the forest 'Bössinger Wald' near Zeutern (Kraichgau) by using a beating tray on a rotten branch. The hibernal species can be found from October to March. It develops in the fungus Peniophora quercina, which occurs on oaks. There are recent records from most regions of Germany, but the species is found only sporadically. In Germany, it is regarded as endangered (RL 2).

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