Notable beetle records from GermanyRecords, photos and text by C. Benisch, 2008–2016
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12.04.2014 (published on 13.04.2014)
Record of Gymnetron rostellum near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate)
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8 
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On April 12th, 2014 two specimens of the weevil Gymnetron rostellum were discovered on a ruderal site in an abandoned limestone quarry near Neuleiningen. 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).
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12.04.2014 (published on 13.04.2014)
Observation of Lixus sanguineus near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate)
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8
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On April 12th, 2014 numerous specimens of the rare weevil Lixus sanguineus (meanwhile named L. angustus) were observed in an abandoned limestone quarry near Neuleiningen. The species lives on autumn hawkbit (Leontodon autumnalis), hawkweed oxtongue (Picris hieracioides) and dandelion (Taraxacum). The beetles dwelled lively on the bare chalkstone between the host plants. The thermophilic species is known to occur from Central and Eastern Europe to Westasia. In Germany, the species is only recorded from Bavaria, the Palatinate and Rhineland and is critically endangered (RL 1).
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08.06.2013 (published on 09.06.2013)
Observation of Pseudocleonus grammicus near Waldstetten (Swabian Jura)
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5
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On June 8th, 2013, a single specimen of the weevil Pseudocleonus grammicus was observed near Waldstetten (Swabian Jura). The xerothermophilous species lives on xerothermic calcareous grassland on several Asteracea sp., especially Brown Knapweed (Centaurea jacea). It is known to occur from Central to South and East Europe. In Germany, the species is very rare despite the relative abundance of its host plants and there are only a few recent records. In the Red List of 1998 classified as 3 (vulnerable), Rheinheimer and Hassler (2010) regards the species as critically endangered (RL 1).
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27.05.2013 (published on 28.05.2013)
Record of Psilothrix viridicoeruleus near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate)
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7
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On May 27th, 2013, three specimens of the soft-winged flower beetle Psilothrix viridicoeruleus were found near Neuleiningen. The stenotopic, thermophilous species is known to occur in North Africa, Western and Southern Europe and in Asia Minor. While it is more common in South England and France, recent records have become increasingly rare in Germany (western Federal States and Bavaria). Psilothrix viridicoeruleus prefers warm slopes and is usually found on yellow blossoms, where it feeds on pollen. In Germany the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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18.05.2013 (published on 22.05.2013)
Record of Blaps lethifera near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate)
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7
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On May 18th, 2013, a male specimen of the darkling beetle Blaps lethifera was found near Neuleiningen under a stone. The species is of palearctic distribution, from Europe over Asia Minor and the Caucasus to Siberia. In North America it is present as adventive species. In Germany, B. lethifera is mainly synanthropic in warm stables, cellars and stores, but also found outdoor on warm slopes, which underlines its original thermophilic character. They feed on decaying plant matter. In Germany B. lethifera is not classified as endangered, but it has suffered considerable losses due to changes in agriculture and housing development.
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18.05.2013 (published on 22.05.2013)
Record of Cryptocephalus schaefferi near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate)
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7
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On May 18th, 2013, one single male specimen of the leaf beetle Cryptocephalus schaefferi was found near Neuleiningen. 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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18.05.2013 (published on 22.05.2013)
Record of Omphalapion buddebergi near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate)
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5
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On May 18th, 2013 two specimens of the very rare apionid weevil Omphalapion buddebergi was discovered near Neuleiningen. 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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18.05.2013 (published on 22.05.2013)
Record of Phytoecia icterica near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate)
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10
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On May 18th, 2013, two specimens of the longhorn beetle Phytoecia icterica were discovered near Neuleiningen. The stenotopic, xerothermophilous species is known to occur from Europe to Asia minor and the Caucasus. It develops on plants of the carrot family, e.g. parsnip (Pastinaca sativa), wild carrot (Daucus carota) and Burnet Saxifrage (Pimpinella saxifraga). The beetles can be found on warm and dry slopes, calcareous drifts, on steppe heathland and at dry edges of meadows. In Germany the species is missing in the northern Federal States and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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11.05.2013 (published on 12.05.2013)
Record of Ethelcus denticulatus near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate)
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7
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On May 11th, 2013, two specimens of the weevil Ethelcus denticulatus were recorded in the herbs layer on a small embankment. In our fauna the weevil lives on corn poppy (Papaver rhoeas) and prefers warm and dry ruderal sites. Despite the abundance of its host, the weevil is only very rarely recorded. In Germany, E. denticulatus has suffered a severe decline and is currently only known from Bavaria, Rhineland-Palatinate, the North Rhine and the Weser-Ems region. While still regarded as endangered (RL 2) in the Red List (1998), Rheinheimer/Hassler (2010) propose the status critically endangered (RL 1).
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09.05.2013 (published on 12.05.2013)
Record of Tychius cuprifer near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate)
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4
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On May 9th, 2013, one specimens of the weevil Tychius cuprifer was found near Neuleiningen (Anterior Palatinate) in the lower vegetation. It lives on Haresfoot clover (Trifolium arvense) and presumably on other clover species as well. It is known to occur from North Africa over Southern and Central Europe to Central Asia. In Germany, recent records are only known from Baden and the Palatinate. While T. cuprifer is still classified as critically endangered (RL 1) in the Red List (1998), Rheinheimer/Hassler (2010) regard the species as vulnerable (RL 3).
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05.05.2013 (published on 06.05.2013)
Record of Phymatodes pusillus on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim (Nahe valley)
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On May 5th, 2013, two specimens of the longhorn beetle Phymatodes pusillus were discovered on a dead oak branch lying on the ground. The place of discovery is located in the summit area of the Felsenberg, a xerothermic oak forest of mediterranean character. Phymatodes pusillus is known to occur from the southern part of Central Europe (in the North till South Sweden) to the northern Mediterranean (Southwest France to Bulgaria, Italy, Sardinia). In Germany, Phymatodes pusillus is regarded as endangered (RL 2) and is rarely recorded, probably also due to its acrodendric lifestyle.
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20.04.2013 (published on 21.04.2013)
Record of Batrisus formicarius on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim (Nahe valley)
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8
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On April 20th, 2013, one specimen of the short-winged mold beetle Batrisus formicarius was found at the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. With 3.1 to 3.5 mm it is among the larger representatives of the family. The stenotopic, myrmecophilous species is known to occur in Central and parts of Southern Europe. It lives in decaying wood and in hollow deciduous trees with ants of the genus Lasius, mainly Lasius brunneus. In Germany there are recent records from all regions with the exception of Schleswig-Holstein and the Niederelbe region. The species is not regarded as endangered, but is also not recorded too often.
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20.04.2013 (published on 21.04.2013)
Record of Cymindis axillaris on the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim (Nahe valley)
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5
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On April 20th, 2013, one specimen of the ground beetle Cymindis axillaris was found at the Heimberg near Waldböckelheim. The xerophilous species is known to occur from North Africa over Spain to Poland and the Czech Republic. It is a characteristic species of craggy rock faces and xeric grasslands on rocky ground and is a hemerophobe. Its main activity period is from autumn to spring, with a maximum in November and December. In Germany there are only records from the southern half and the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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22.07.2012 (published on 02.08.2012)
Record of Chlorophorus sartor on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim (Nahe valley)
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3
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On July 22nd, 2012, a single specimen of the round-necked longhorn beetle Chlorophorus sartor was found on a flower umbel on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim. The four species of the genus currently known to occur in Germany are all rare to very rare, with C. sartor being still the relatively most common of them. The species ranges from Europe (without the North) to Asia Minor, the Caucasus and the Iran and reaches Siberia in the East. The larva develops in deciduous trees (e.g. chestnut, black locust, beech, oak). The adults can be found during midsummer on flower umbels. In Germany, C. sartor is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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22.07.2012 (published on 02.08.2012)
Record of Lasioderma redtenbacheri on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim (Nahe valley)
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On July 22nd, 2012, several specimens of Lasioderma redtenbacheri were found at the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim on Greater Knapweed (Centaurea scabiosa). The stenotopic, xerophilous species ranges from South and Central Europe to Asia Minor, the Caucasus, the Middle East and Southern Siberia. Its development was elucidated by Cymorek, it takes place in the flower heads of Greater Knapweed, which grows on steppe, calcareous grassland and warm slopes. Most observations of L. redtenbacheri are made by rearing the beetles from flower heads, outdoor observations are rare. In Germany, the species is critically endangered (RL 1).
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09.06.2012 (published on 10.06.2012)
Record of Bembidion argenteolum in the district of Rastatt (North Baden)
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3
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On June 9th, 2012, one specimen of the ground beetle Bembidion argenteolum was found at a quarry pond in the district of Rastatt on a sun-exposed, flat, sandy bank. The stenotopic, psammophilous species is known to occur from Central Europe to Central Siberia. So far, no records have been made for South Germany (BA, WT, BY). Hence this discovery constitutes the first record for Baden. In Germany, Bembidion argenteolum is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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09.06.2012 (published on 10.06.2012)
Observation of Cylindera arenaria in the district of Rastatt (North Baden)
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4
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On June 9th, 2012, numerous specimens of the ground beetle Cylindera arenaria viennensis were observed at a quarry pond in the district of Rastatt. The beetles dwelled on a sun-exposed, sandy-muddy, flat bank and escape very swiftly. C. arenaria is known to occur in the western Palearctic from France to the Caucasus and tends to develop regional subspecies. In Germany, the only subspecies present is ssp. viennensis. Records after 1950 are known from Baden, Bavaria, Palatinate, Saxony, Saxony-Anhalt and Brandenburg. The last record from Baden was made in 1984 by Büche. C. arenaria is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1).
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08.06.2012 (published on 10.06.2012)
Record of Prionychus melanarius in the forest Bienwald near Scheibenhardt
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2
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On June 8th, 2012, one specimen of the comb-clawed beetle Prionychus melanarius was found in the forest Bienwald near Scheibenhardt under the bark of a sun-exposed, ailing beech (Fagus). The stenotopic, xylobiont species is crepuscular and nocturnal and lives in old forests. It can be easily distinguished from the similar sister species P. ater by the smaller size and shiny pronotum and elytra. In Germany the species is missing in the northwest and is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1).
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02.06.2012 (published on 03.06.2012)
Record of Philonthus rufimanus at a quarry pond near Breisach
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4
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On June 2nd, 2012, one specimen of the rove beetle Philonthus rufimanus was observed in the edge of a quarry pond near Breisach. With its red front and middle legs and the shiny blue elytra the species is very conspicuous. It prefers sandy-rubbly edges of rivers and creeks and lives in the rubble layer. The stenotopic species is known to occur in Southern and the warm parts of Central Europe, but scattered and has disappeared from many former locations. In Germany, the only recent records are from Baden, Hesse and Northrhine. P. rufimanus is regarded as critically endangered (RL 1).
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02.06.2012 (published on 03.06.2012)
Record of Poecilonota variolosa in the arid floodplain of Grißheim (South Baden)
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2
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On June 2nd, 2012, one specimen of the Marbled Jewel Beetle Poecilonota variolosa was found in the arid floodplain of Grißheim (South Baden). The animal landed on the author in the midday heat. Poecilonota variolosa is known to occur from North Africa across Europe to East Siberia and avoids the influence of the atlantic climate. It develops in ailing European aspen (Populus tremula) on dry locations. In Germany, newer records are known from Bavaria, Thuringia, Saxony-Anhalt, Baden and recently Brandenburg. Poecilonota variolosa is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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27.05.2012 (published on 28.05.2012)
Record of Allandrus undulatus on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim
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2
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On May 27th, 2012, two specimens of the fungus weevil Allandrus undulatus were found on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim (Nahe valley) on a heap of pruned vine branches. The stenotopic species is known to occur from Southern to the southern parts of North Europe and is usually found on branches of various deciduous trees, like apple (Malus), oak (Quercus), beech (Fagus) and others. In Germany, Allandrus undulatus is recorded in most Federal States, but only occasionally found and is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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27.05.2012 (published on 28.05.2012)
Record of Anisoplia villosa on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim
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On May 27th, 2012, numerous specimens shining leaf chafer Anisoplia villosa were found swarming on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim (Nahe valley). The stenotopic, thermophilous species is mainly distributed in the southern part of Western Europe. In Central Europa, occurrences are confined to xerothermic habitats. The beetles can be found on sun-exposed slopes and dry fields on flowering grasses, where they feed on the stamina. In Germany, records are known from the southern Federal States and the species is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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27.05.2012 (published on 28.05.2012)
Record of Chrysolina fuliginosa on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim
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On May 27th, 2012, one specimen of the leaf beetle Chrysolina fuliginosa was found on the Felsenberg near Schloßböckelheim (Nahe valley). The species is known to occur in South and Central Europe. It prefers dry slopes and fallow vineyards. C. fuliginosa is oligophagous and develops on Centaurea species. It can be distinguished from its sister species C. haemoptera by the separated sides of the pronotum and the irregular puncture of the elytra. In Germany, C. fuliginosa is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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26.05.2012 (published on 26.05.2012)
Record of Cryptocephalus coryli 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 hazel-pot beetle Cryptocephalus coryli was found in the arid floodplain of Grißheim on a shrub. The stenotopic, thermophilous species prefers warm slopes and sun-exposed edges of forests. It develops mainly in hazel (Corylus) and birch (Betula). After egg deposition, the females cover the eggs with their own dung and drop them into the leaf litter underneath the bush. In Germany, Cryptocephalus coryli is recorded from most Federal States, but is regarded as vulnerable (RL 3).
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26.05.2012 (published on 26.05.2012)
Record of Magdalis exarata in the arid floodplain near Grißheim (South Baden)
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2
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On May 26th, 2012, one specimen of the weevil Magdalis exarata was found in the arid floodplain of Grißheim on oak by using a beating tray. Typical for representatives of the subgenus Neopanus, the scutellum of M. exarata declines towards the base of the elytra and does not fill its cavity. Contrary to the more common sister species M. cerasi, the scape is short. The stenotopic, xerophilous species lives in warm and dry sparse oak forests. In Germany M. exarata is regarded as endangered (RL 2).
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