Notable beetle records from GermanyRecords, photos and text by C. Benisch, 2008–2016
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
07.05.2011 (published on 08.05.2011)
Record of Agapanthia intermedia on the Gangelsberg near Duchroth (Nahe valley)
|
6 
|
On May 7th, 2011 two specimens of the longhorn beetle Agapanthia intermedia were discovered on mesoxerophytic grassland on the Gangelsberg near Duchroth (Nahe valley). The xerothermophilous species develops in Field Scabious (Knautia arvensis). The separation from Agapanthia violacea by Frieser and Sama has not yet been fully accepted by all coleopterists. A. violacea sensu lato is known to occur from Spain over Germany and Italy to the Black Sea and Asia minor. German records belong to A. intermedia without exception. The species is widespread in Germany, but is not found too often (RL 3).
|
|
|
07.05.2011 (published on 08.05.2011)
Record of Gymnetron rostellum on the Gangelsberg near Duchroth (Nahe valley)
|
2
|
On May 7th, 2011 one specimen of the weevil Gymnetron rostellum was discovered on mesoxerophytic grassland on the Gangelsberg near Duchroth (Nahe valley). The only 1.7-2.2 mm large xerophilous species develops in Germander Speedwell (Veronica chamaedrys). Its distribution ranges from Southern over Central Europe to the Caucasus. In Germany there are mainly records from the western Federal States. Overall, the species is regarded as rare to very rare (RL 3).
|
|
|
07.05.2011 (published on 08.05.2011)
Record of Orsodacne lineola on the Gangelsberg near Duchroth (Nahe valley)
|
3
|
On May 7th, 2011 one specimen of the leaf beetle Orsodacne lineola was discovered on the Gangelsberg near Duchroth (Nahe valley) by using a beating tray on blossoming hawthorn. Its distribution ranges from Southern Europe to southern Central Europe. The species develops in hawthorn (Crataegus), pear (Pirus) and plum (Prunus). After the first record for Baden in 2008, this discovery constitutes a record for the Rhineland (compare Köhler/Klausnitzer, 1998). O. lineola can be distinguished from the ubiquitous O. cerasi by the pubescence and the denser puncture of the elytra.
|
|
|
01.05.2011 (published on 02.05.2011)
Record of Ampedus sinuatus in the forest 'Unterer Dossenwald' near Mannheim-Rheinau
|
2
|
On May 1st, 2011 two specimens of the click beetle Ampedus sinuatus were recorded in the forest 'Unterer Dossenwald' near Mannheim-Rheinau. The species lives in old deciduous and mixed forests and develops in decaying wood of beech and oak. Its distribution ranges from the southern part of Central Europe to the Caucasus and Asia minor. In Germany it reaches the northern boundary of its range and is regarded as endangered (RL 2). Among our click beetles, it might be confused only with the equally rare Cardiophorus ruficollis.
|
|
|
24.04.2011 (published on 25.04.2011)
Record of Anobium emarginatum on the ridge 'Büchelberger Grat' near Pommertsweiler (East Württemberg)
|
2
|
On April 24th, 2011 one specimen of the anobiid beetle Anobium (Microbregma) emarginatum was recorded on the ridge 'Büchelberger Grat' near Pommertsweiler (East Württemberg) by using a beating tray on a spruce. It develops in dead bark of live spruce. Anobium emarginatum prefers the colline and montane zone and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3) in Germany. Contrary to other representatives of the genus, A. emarginatum can be easily determined by the characteristic shape of its pronotum.
|
|
|
24.04.2011 (published on 25.04.2011)
Record of Phytoecia nigripes on the ridge 'Büchelberger Grat' near Pommertsweiler (East Württemberg)
|
3
|
On April 24th, 2011 numerous specimens of Phytoecia nigripes were recorded on the ridge 'Büchelberger Grat' near Pommertsweiler (East Württemberg). The pontomediterranean species is known to occur from the Pyrenees over the Alps to Southeast Europe, Syria and around the Black Sea and prefers colline to montane zones. The beetle develops in various umbellifers. In Germany, there are only recent records from Bavaria and Baden-Württemberg. In the Red List of Germany, Phytoecia nigripes is classified as vulnerable (RL 3).
|
|
|
09.04.2011 (published on 30.10.2011)
Record of Coeliodes ilicis at the Gangelsberg near Duchroth (Nahe valley)
|
4
|
On April 4th, 2011 a single specimen of the weevil Coeliodes ilicis was discovered at the southern slope of the Gangelsberg near Duchroth (Nahe valley) on a sun-exposed oak. The species lives on Holm oak (Quercus ilex) and in the north of its range on Pedunculate oak (Q. robur). It is known from the Mediterranean region and Western Europe, reaching the Vosges in the northeast of France. In Germany C. ilicis has been recorded only from the Nahe valley (published records of the AG Rheinischer Koleopterologen 1994-2001) and is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
|
|
|
09.04.2011 (published on 11.04.2011)
Record of Meloe scabriusculus on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
|
3
|
On April 9th, 2011 two specimens of Meloe scabriusculus were recorded at the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The mesophilous species is known to occur in Central Europe, the Middle East and Eastern Russia. It prefers meadow and steppe formations of the planar to colline zone. Similar to other representatives of the genus, larval development takes place in the nests of hymenoptera, e.g. Andrenidae, Halictidae and Coletidae. The adult beetles can be found during spring in habitats with favorable warm climate. In Germany M. scabriusculus is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
|
|
|
02.04.2011 (published on 03.04.2011)
Record of Dorcadion fuliginator on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
|
4
|
On April 2nd, 2011 two specimens of the longhorn beetle Dorcadion fuliginator were observed on calcareous grassland at the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The xerothermophilous species lives on warm slopes, sandy or calcareous grassland and prefers limestone or gypsum soil. The flightless beetles can be found on ways and waysides sparsely covered with grass. They feed on grass, the larvae on grass roots. In Germany Dorcadion fuliginator is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
|
|
|
02.04.2011 (published on 03.04.2011)
Record of Mecinus janthinus on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
|
3
|
On April 2nd, 2011 two specimens of the toadflax stem-mining weevil Mecinus janthinus were recorded on calcareous grassland at the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The xerophilous species lives on dams, warm slopes and on heathland. Its distribution ranges from France to the Ural and from Sweden to Greece. Mecinus janthinus develops on toadflax (Linaria). It has been successfully used for biologic control of Linaria dalmatica in the US and Canada. In Germany, M. janthinus is not endangered.
|
|
|
02.04.2011 (published on 03.04.2011)
Record of Phrissotrichum rugicolle on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
|
4
|
On April 2nd, 2011 several specimens of the rare apionid weevil Phrissotrichum rugicolle were observed on calcareous grassland at the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The xerothermophilous species lives on heath steppe and warm slopes and prefers limestone or gypsum soil. It is oligophagous and develops on plants of the rock rose family (Helianthemum and Fumana). In Germany, Phrissotrichum rugicolle is known to occur only in the southern Federal States and is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
|
|
|
12.03.2011 (published on 12.03.2011)
Observation of Meloe decorus near Oppenheim (Rhineland-Palatinate)
|
4
|
On March 12th, 2011 numerous specimens of the very rare blister beetle Meloe decorus were observed near Oppenheim on a south-exposed grassy escarpment on a former sports field. The species is a thermophilous steppe species, which lives in warm, sandy areas of the lowland and the colline zone. It is regarded as a Caspian faunal element. The development takes place in the nests of solitary bees, probably Andrena. In Germany M. decorus is critically endangered (RL 1).
|
|
|
31.10.2010 (published on 01.11.2010)
Record of Eucinetus haemorrhoidalis on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
|
4
|
On October 31st, 2010 one specimen of Eucinetus haemorrhoidalis was sieved from dry grass cuttings at the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The conspicuous, transversely serrated sculpture of the elytra reminds of Orchesia or Mordellidae, and the beetles share a similar flight reflex, a tumbling movement. The species prefers warm and dry slopes, mesoxerophytic grassland on sandy or loess ground. They can be found in vegetable detritus. In Germany the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
|
|
|
31.10.2010 (published on 01.11.2010)
Record of Sphaerosoma piliferum on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
|
3
|
On October 31st, 2010 one specimen of Sphaerosoma piliferum was sieved from leaf litter at the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The beetle is only 1.5 mm large and of hemispherical body shape. It can be distinguished from its sister species S. pilosum by the long, upright hairs on the elytra. Today they are regarded as part of the family Alexiidae (formerly Sphaerosomatidae). The beetles live in leaf litter and under moss if fungal mycelium is present.
|
|
|
10.10.2010 (published on 15.10.2010)
Record of Meloe rugosus in the Bössinger Forest close to Zeutern (Kraichgau)
|
5
|
On October 10th, 2010 four specimens of the blister beetle Meloe rugosus were observed on a sun-exposed, paved way close to the edge of the Bössinger forest, near Zeutern (Kraichgau, North Baden). The species develops in the nest of solitary bees of the genera Halictus, Andrena and Nomada. It prefers warm habitats, marginally covered with vegetation in the lowlands and lower mountainous locations. The main activity period is from September to November. In Germany M. rugosus is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1).
|
|
|
22.08.2010 (published on 25.08.2010)
Record of Chrysolina cerealis on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
|
8
|
On August 22nd, 2010 one specimen of the leaf beetle Chrysolina cerealis was discovered on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim by using a sweeping net on a xerothermic area. The xerothermophilous species prefers dry and mesoxerophytic grasslands. C. cerealis is monophagous and develops in Horse mint (Mentha longifolia). Its distribution stretches from Southwestern Europe to eastern Central Europe. In Germany there are records from various Federal States, but C. cerealis is regarded as rare and vulnerable (RL 3).
|
|
|
22.08.2010 (published on 25.08.2010)
Record of Coptocephala unifasciata and C. rubicunda on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
|
3
|
On August 22nd, 2010 several specimens of the leaf beetle Coptocephala unifasciata and one single specimen of the closely related C. rubicunda were discovered on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim by using a sweeping net on a xerothermic area. Currently three species of the genus are known to occur in Germany. One of them, C. unifasciata can be easily distinguished by its red upper lip (labrum). The other two - both of them with black upper lip - are only distinguished with some experience.
|
|
|
22.08.2010 (published on 25.08.2010)
Record of Cyphocleonus dealbatus on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
|
4
|
On August 22nd, 2010 one specimen of the weevil Cyphocleonus dealbatus was found on a xerothermic area by using a sweeping net. The xerothermophilous species prefers "Steppenheide" habitats, dry grassland and ruderal sites and develops oligophagously on Asteraceae, e.g. tansy (Tanacetum), yarrow (Achillea), wormwood (Artemisia) and scentless chamomile (Tripleurospermum maritimum ssp. inodorum). In Germany the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
|
|
|
18.07.2010 (published on 23.07.2010)
Record of Vibidia duodecimguttata on the 'Friesenheimer Insel' in Mannheim
|
4
|
On July 18th, 2010 one specimen of the ladybird Vibidia duodecimguttata was discovered on the 'Friesenheimer Insel' in Mannheim by using a beating tray on a shrub. V. duodecimguttata is 3-4 mm long and somewhat smaller than the similar species of the genus Halyzia and Calvia. The spots on the elytra form a hexagon. The stenotopic, thermophilous species feeds on powdery mildew fungi and is distributed across the whole Palearctic region. In Germany, V. duodecimguttata is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
|
|
|
17.07.2010 (published on 23.07.2010)
Record of Aphodius zenkeri in the natural forest reserve 'Stuttpferch' in the forest 'Bienwald'
|
4
|
On July 17th, 2010 one specimen of the dung beetle Aphodius zenkeri was found in the natural forest reserve 'Stuttpferch' in the forest 'Bienwald' by using a light trap. The 4-5 mm large species is characterized by a conspicuous puncture of the elytra and its red colored clypeus. Usually it is found in the droppings of wild game. In Germany, A. zenkeri is not endangered. There are recent records from a number of Federal States. However, the discoveries are always sporadic are rare.
|
|
|
16.07.2010 (published on 17.07.2010)
Record of Benibotarus taygetanus in the forest 'Bienwald' near Büchelberg
|
4
|
On July 16th, 2010 one specimen of the very rare net-winged beetle Benibotarus taygetanus was found in the forest 'Bienwald' near Büchelberg by using a light trap. The silvicolous, 9-11 mm large species can be distinguished from the common, similar Dictyopterus aurora by the two elevated, curved ribs on the elytra and the yellow apex of the 11th member of the antenna. B. taygetanus is known to occur in Central and parts of Eastern Europe. In Germany it is critically endangered (RL 1).
|
|
|
10.07.2010 (published on 17.07.2010)
Record of Abdera affinis in the forest 'Bienwald' near Büchelberg
|
5
|
On July 10th, 2010 one specimen of the false darkling beetle Abdera affinis was found in the forest 'Bienwald' near Büchelberg by using a light trap. The stenotopic, 2.5-3.5 mm large species develops in fungi, especially in alder bracket (Inonotus radiatus). It's known to occur from Spain over Central and Northern Europe till Northern Russia, but is missing in Southeastern Europe. A. affinis is recorded from virtually all Federal States of Germany, but is rather rare (RL 2).
|
|
|
09.07.2010 (published on 10.07.2010)
Record of Agrilus hyperici in the Lampertheim Forest (South Hesse)
|
4
|
On July 9th, 2010 four specimens of the jewel beetle Agrilus hyperici were found by using a sweeping net on a large occurrence of their host plant, St. John's wort (Hypericum perforatum). The small, 3.5-6 mm large species is distributed in Southern and Central Europe, from Spain to Asia Minor and Greece. In Germany, the thermophilous species is found in localities with favorable warm climate and it reaches the northern border of its range in Central Germany. It is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
|
|
|
07.07.2010 (published on 10.07.2010)
Record of Allecula rhenana in the forest 'Untere Lußhardt' near Kirrlach
|
3
|
On July 7th, 2010 numerous specimens of Allecula rhenana were observed in the forest 'Untere Lußhardt' near Kirrlach. The stenotopic, xylodetriticolous species is known to occur from Central to Southeastern Europe in old forests. The crepuscular and nocturnal species can be found on old, hollow trees, mainly oak, beech and maple. It can be easily distinguished from the more common A. morio by the shape of the pronotum. In Germany, A. rhenana is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
|
|
|
04.07.2010 (published on 10.07.2010)
Record of Harpalus melancholicus in the Lampertheim Forest (South Hesse)
|
3
|
On July 4th, 2010 one specimen of ground beetle Harpalus melancholicus was found in the Lampertheim forest on a sandy plain. The range of this stenotopic, psammophilous species stretches from the Mediterranean region over the southern part of Northern Europe, the Balkans, Asia Minor till Iran and Central Asia. It is normally found on sandy ground, coastal dunes and ruderal sites. In Germany, H. melancholicus is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
|
|
|
