Notable beetle records from GermanyRecords, photos and text by C. Benisch, 2008–2016
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26.05.2012 (published on 26.05.2012)
Record of Mycetochara flavipes in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden)
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3 
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On May 26th, 2012, one specimen of the comb-clawed beetle Mycetochara flavipes was found in the arid floodplain of Grißheim in a old, hollow poplar filled with detritus. The stenotopic, mycetophilous species lives in deciduous forests and on the edges of forests and prefers logs and stubs of oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus), Horse-chestnut (Aesculus), lime (Tilia), poplar (Populus) and others. In Germany recent records are missing in several Federal States and M. flavipes is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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19.05.2012 (published on 21.05.2012)
Record of Cryptocephalus schaefferi on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
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2
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On May 19th, 2012, numerous specimens of the leaf beetle Cryptocephalus schaefferi were found on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The stenotopic, xerothermophilous species is known to occur in Southern and Central Europe and prefers habitats with warm climate. It is polyphagous and is found on hawthorn (Crataegus), oak (Quercus), hazel (Corylus) and (Sorbus) European rowan (Sorbus). The species exhibits a marked sexual dimorphism. In Germany, recent records are known from the southern part, and the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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19.05.2012 (published on 21.05.2012)
Record of Lachnaia sexpunctata on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim
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3
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On May 19th, 2012, several specimens of the leaf beetle Lachnaia sexpunctata were found on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The stenotopic, xerothermophilous species prefers warm and dry slopes and sun-exposed edges of forests. It is polyphagous and can be found from May to July mainly on sun-exposed oaks. The male exhibits conspicuous large legs and tarsi. In Germany, recent records are confined to the southern part, and the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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17.05.2012 (published on 18.05.2012)
Record of Phytobaenus amabilis in the forest Bienwald near Scheibenhardt
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2
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On May 17th, 2012, one specimen of the antlike leaf beetle Phytobaenus amabilis was found in the forest Bienwald near Scheibenhardt by using a beating tray on a willow (Salix sp.). The Eurosiberian species is known to occur from Europe to Japan und develops in rotting wood. It was first discovered in 2008 in the Bienwald. Otherwise only old records (before 1950) exist from Brandenburg and Thuringia. In Germany the species is very rare and currently classified as RL 0 (missing).
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17.03.2012 (published on 19.03.2012)
Observation of Meloe decorus near Oberhausen-Rheinhausen (Baden-Württemberg)
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On March 17th, 2012 three females of the blister beetle Meloe decorus were observed on the Rhine dam near Oberhausen-Rheinhausen (Baden-Württemberg). The place of discovery is located nearby the former population in the vicinity of Philippsburg. This population was presumably extinguished in 2006/2007 by the building activity "Rheinhochwasserdamm HWD XXXIII". The last record was made by C. Wurst in 2002. Hence, there are now recent observations from Baden-Württemberg, the Palatinate, Hesse and Thuringia. Meloe decorus is critically endangered (RL 1).
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03.12.2011 (published on 03.12.2011)
Record of Blaps mucronata in Mannheim-Schwetzingerstadt
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1
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On December 3rd, 2011 two specimens of the churchyard beetle Blaps mucronata were found in Mannheim-Schwetzingerstadt in front of a cellar window. In Germany, the stenotopic species is obligatory synanthropic and lives in cellars, stables and warehouses. It is nocturnal and feeds on decaying vegetable material. Recent records in Germany are known from the southern half as well as from Schleswig-Holstein, the Lower Elbe region and Mecklenburg-Western Pomerania. As a hemerophile, the species is in decline due to the changes in modern house building.
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30.10.2011 (published on 30.10.2011)
Record of Cymindis humeralis in the Lampertheim forest (South Hesse)
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2
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On October 30th, 2011 one specimen of the ground beetle Cymindis humeralis was found in the Lampertheim Forest under a piece of wood on sandy ground. The xerophilous species is known to occur in most parts of Europe except the northernmost and southernmost regions. Cymindis humeralis prefers heathland, sonny edges of forests and calcareous grassland. In Germany it is recorded from virtually all Federal States, but discoveries are sporadic. It is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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23.06.2011 (published on 30.06.2011)
Record of Anogcodes ferruginea in Oberhausen-Rheinhausen near Philippsburg
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On June 23rd, 2011 one specimen of the false blister beetle Anogcodes ferruginea was discovered on a Rhine dam near Oberhausen-Rheinhausen (North Baden).The eurytopic species lives primarily in river meadows and is known to occur in the southern and eastern parts of Central Europe. Anogcodes ferruginea develops in decaying wood of oak (Quercus), pine (Pinus) and spruce (Picea). The adult beetles can be found on blossoms. In Germany the species is missing on the northwestern Federal States. Records are rather sporadic and the species is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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23.06.2011 (published on 30.06.2011)
Record of Cassida murraea in Oberhausen-Rheinhausen near Philippsburg
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2
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On June 23rd, 2011 three specimens of the fleabane tortoise beetle Cassida murraea were discovered on a Rhine dam with a rich herbal flora near Oberhausen-Rheinhausen (North Baden). While the immature beetles show a greenish color, fully developed beetles exhibit a beautiful orange-red coloration. Cassida murraea develops oligophagous on Inula species and on fleabane (Pulicaria dysenterica). The species is known to occur in virtually all Federal States and is recorded regularly, but not too often. It is not regarded as endangered in Germany.
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13.06.2011 (published on 16.06.2011)
Observation of Copris lunaris in the nature reserve Pliesterbergsche Sohlen near Hünxe-Drevenack
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On June 13th, 2011 one male specimen of the dung beetle Copris lunaris was found in the nature reserve Pliesterbergsche Sohlen near Hünxe-Drevenack. The 16 to 24 mm large species lives on sun-exposed pastures and prefers sandy soil. They can be found on the edges of fresh cow dung pads, where the female excavates a subterranean nest chamber. Copris lunaris in known to occur in Continental Europe without the northeast. In Germany, the species has been recorded in numerous Federal States, but is generally regarded as rare and endangered (RL 2).
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12.06.2011 (published on 16.06.2011)
Observation of Bembidion litorale on the banks of river Rhine near Wesel-Flüren
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2
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On June 12th, 2001 several specimens of the ground beetle Bembidion litorale were observed at the banks of river Rhine near Wesel-Flüren, together with other representatives of the genus (B. velox, B. striatum, B. modestum and B. tetracolum). The 5.2 to 6.2 mm large species is known to occur from Western Europe to Siberia and lives on sandy river banks. On warm, sunny days the beetles escape swiftly. In Germany there are recent records from virtually all Federal States. Records become more frequent towards the northeast. Bembidion litorale is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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11.06.2011 (published on 16.06.2011)
Record of Coeliodes nigritarsis in the nature reserve Schnepfenberge near Wesel-Diersfordt
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2
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On June 11th, 2011 numerous specimens of the weevil Coeliodes nigritarsis were observed in the nature reserve Schnepfenberge near Wesel-Diersfordt. The 2.7 to 3 mm large species lives on Downy Birch (Betula pubescens), the larval development is believed to take place in the female catkins. The stenotopic, tyrphophilous species is known to occur in Northern, Central and Eastern Europe in moor regions, mostly in the low mountain range, occasionally in the plain. In Germany Coeliodes nigritarsis is rare and scattered and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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11.06.2011 (published on 16.06.2011)
Record of Cryptocephalus punctiger in the nature reserve Schnepfenberge near Wesel-Diersfordt
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2
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On June 11th, 2011 one specimen of the leaf beetle Cryptocephalus punctiger was observed in the nature reserve Schnepfenberge near Wesel-Diersfordt. The 2.5 to 3.5 mm large species is polyphagous and lives on Goat Willow (Salix caprea), Silver Birch (Betula pendula) and poplar species (Populus). Cryptocephalus punctiger is known to occur in Northern and Central Europe and can be found on the edges of forests and in the fringes of peat bogs. In Germany the species is rare and is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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05.06.2011 (published on 07.06.2011)
Record of Coraebus undatus on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim (Nahe valley)
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On June 5th, 2011 one specimen of the jewel beetle Coraebus undatus was discovered on the southwest slope of the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim (Nahe valley) on a sun-exposed oak by using a beating tray. The species is of holomediterranean distribution and reaches the northern border of its range in Germany. Coraebus undatus is thermophilous and develops under the bark of trunks and large branches of oak. The development cycle is thought to take 2 or 3 years. Due to its rarity, the species does not have any relevance for forestry in Germany. On the contrary, Coraebus undatus is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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04.06.2011 (published on 07.06.2011)
Record of Amphimallon ruficorne in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden)
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On June 4th, 2011 several specimens of the scarab beetle Amphimallon ruficorne were found in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden). The 11-13 mm large species, diurnal species swarms in the morning and in the early afternoon. Amphimallon ruficorne is known to occur in Central Europe, in the West to France, in the South to North Italy. The stenotopic, psammophilous species prefers sandy heathland and mesoxerophytic grassland and develops in the soil, feeding on the roots of various grasses. In Germany the species is missing in the northern Federal States and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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04.06.2011 (published on 07.06.2011)
Record of Eumolpus asclepiadeus in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden)
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On June 4th, 2011 numerous specimens of the leaf beetle Eumolpus asclepiadeus were observed in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden). The habitus of the 8-10 mm large species reminds of a large Cryptocephalus. The monophagous species develops in white swallow-wort (Vincetoxium hirundinaria). In the present case, dozens of specimen sat on blades of grass and on poplar sprouts. Eumolpus asclepiadeus is known to occur on South Europe and the southern part of Central Europe. In Germany, recent records have been made from Baden, Württemberg, Bavaria and Thuringia. The species is rare and endangered (RL 2).
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04.06.2011 (published on 07.06.2011)
Record of Rhopalocerus rondanii in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden)
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On June 4th, 2011 two specimen of the cylindrical bark beetle Rhopalocerus rondanii were found in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden) in the hollow trunk of an old poplar. The nocturnal urwald relic species is 3-4 mm large and lives in wood detritus and under the bark of old trees, in most cases in the presence of ants (genus Lasius). R. rondanii is known to occur in South Europe and the southern part of Central Europe. In Germany, since the 1980's new discoveries have been made by several authors in Hesse, Baden and Rhineland-Palatinate – after more than 100 years (Horion). The species is very rare and is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1).
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04.06.2011 (published on 07.06.2011)
Record of Rhynchites aethiops in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden)
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On June 4th, 2011 two specimens of the tooth-nosed snout beetle Rhynchites aethiops were found in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden). The beetle is 2.5-3.5 mm large. Its distribution ranges from the Near East over Southeastern and southern Central Europe to France. In Germany, Rhynchites aethiops prefers regions with favorable warm climate and is known to occur in Southern and Eastern Germany only. It develops in Common Rockrose (Helianthemum nummularium). The species is rare and regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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02.06.2011 (published on 03.06.2011)
Record of Omphalapion leavigatum near Stutensee-Spöck
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On June 2nd, 2011 six specimens (3 males, 3 females) of the rare apionid weevil Omphalapion laevigatum were recorded near Stutensee-Spöck on corn chamomile (Anthemis). Especially the females are quite conspicuous with their relatively large size within the genus. They can be only confused with the even rarer O. buddebergi. The species is distributed throughout Europe, but generally rare and prefers extensive arable land and warm, sandy ruderal sites. In Germany it is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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29.05.2011 (published on 30.05.2011)
Record of Omphalapion buddebergi on the Gangelsberg near Duchroth
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2
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On May 29th, 2011 one female specimen of the very rare apionid weevil Omphalapion buddebergi was discovered on the Gangelsberg near Duchroth. The species develops in Yellow Chamomile (Anthemis tinctoria), which grows in xerothermic habitats, e.g. neglected and xeric grassland. Omphalapion buddebergi can be distinguished from similar representatives of the genus by the very long snout and the sculpture of the pronotum. In Germany, the species is very rare with records from Bavaria, the Palatinate, Hesse, Rhineland, Thuringia and Saxony-Anhalt. It is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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22.05.2011 (published on 24.05.2011)
Record of Gymnetron stimulosum near Stutensee-Spöck
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2
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On May 22nd, 2011 one specimen of the weevil Gymnetron stimulosum was found near Stutensee-Spöck on the edge of extensive arable land by using a beating tray on German chamomile (Matricaria). The species can be distinguished from the similar G. rostellum by its entirely black legs. It prefers sunny fallow land. Its distribution ranges from Central Europe to Poland and Bulgaria. The real host plant is still unknown. In Germany G. stimulosum is mainly recorded from the eastern Federal States and is rare. It is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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21.05.2011 (published on 24.05.2011)
Anthaxia mendizabali new for North Rhine-Westphalia
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2
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On May 21st, 2011 three specimens of the jewel beetle Anthaxia mendizabali were found on a field trip with the Rhineland Coleopterist Association in the nature reserve Wahner Heide near Troisdorf. The stenotopic, thermophilous species prefers calcareous grassland and heathland. It develops in Scotch Broom (Cytisus scoparius) and is normally found on ailing plants. With a body length of 3.7-4.5 mm A. mendizabali is among the smaller representatives of the genus, and could be confused with A. funerula (not present in Germany). This discovery constitutes the first record for North Rhine.
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21.05.2011 (published on 24.05.2011)
Record of Thanasimus rufipes in the nature reserve Wahner Heide near Troisdorf
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On May 21st, 2011 one specimen of the checkered beetle Thanasimus rufipes was found on a field trip with the Rhineland Coleopterist Association in the nature reserve Wahner Heide near Troisdorf on a sawed-off pine branch. It can be distinguished from the much more common T. formicarius by its red legs and the missing oblique black elytral marking in front of the white marking. The species occurs in pine and mixed forests and preys on various scolytids. It's known from all-over Germany, but records are sporadic and rare.
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15.05.2011 (published on 16.05.2011)
Record of Ceratapion basicorne near Stutensee-Spöck
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On May 15th, 2011 two specimens of the apionid weevil Ceratapion basicorne were found near Stutensee-Spöck on the edge of extensive arable land by using a beating tray on cornflowers (Centaurea cyanus). Its distribution ranges from Europe and North Africa to Asia Minor. Due to the land consolidation and intensification of agriculture during the recent decades the acreage of extensive arable land with its segetal flora and specialized beetle fauna has declined tremendously. Consequently, Ceratapion basicorne is regarded as endangered in Germany (RL 2).
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14.05.2011 (published on 16.05.2011)
Record of Stenolophus skrimshiranus near Baden-Baden-Oos
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2
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On May 14th, 2011 one specimen of the ground beetle Stenolophus skrimshiranus was observed at the edge of a nearly dried-out pond (continued drought in spring 2011) in the nature reserve Bruchgraben near Baden-Baden-Oos. Stenolophus skrimshiranus is the rarest of the three species of the genus in Germany. Its distribution ranges from France and England over Central and Eastern Europe to Central Asia. The beetle is normally found on muddy edges of ponds. Although there are recent records from virtually all Federal States in Germany, Stenolophus skrimshiranus is recorded only occasionally and is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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