Elateridae ...

Athous haemorrhoidalis (Fabricius, 1801)

The Elateridae, or Click Beetles as they are commonly known, are a family of beetles currently comprising 73 species in the British Isles. They are identifiable by their elongated appearance with heads somewhat sunken into the thorax, sharp posterior angles on the pronotum and often toothed or pectinate antennae (the segments are longer on one side giving a comb like appearance). They are named for their ability to flip into the air in order to right themselves when upside down - it is this mechanism that produces the familiar ‘click’. Most species are somewhat uniformly brown or black in appearance, some with a metallic sheen and often a fine covering of silver-grey hairs, though some species are more brightly coloured. Sizes range from 3-4mm up to around 20mm.

Occurring in a wide range of habitats, A. haemorrhoidalis is one of the most frequent spring Elaterids in Britain.

More at: www.elateridae.co.uk

Against the trend …

Agapanthia villosoviridescens

The Golden-bloomed Grey Longhorn (A. villosoviridescens)

The Cerambycidae, the Longhorn beetles, are a very impressive group of insects. The family, which includes some of Britain’s most impressive beetles, currently numbers around 70 species. Many striking examples can be found abroad. They are predominantly beetles that develop in wood, with the adults being active during the spring and summer months. However, A. villosoviridescens is an exception to this rule, developing in the stems of a variety of herbaceous plants including Cardus, Urtica, Angelica, Chaerophyllum, Artemisia, Salvia and Aconitum. The larvae develop in the above-ground plant tissues. They cut off the plant stalk before pupation, create the pupal cells near ground level, and the adults leave the stalks via a newly created exit hole in the side of the remaining stalk. The above specimen, one of four observed, was found sitting on Hemp-agrimony (Eupatorium cannabinum) at a West Sussex wetland site.

My first encounter with this impressive species …

Big game ...

Iping Common, 17 June 2013

There are five species of Tiger Beetle in Britain: Cicindela campestris, Cicindela hybrida, Cicindela maritima, Cicindela sylvatica and Cylindera germanica. Of these, the Heath Tiger Beetle (Cicindela sylvatica) and the Cliff Tiger Beetle (Cylindera germanica) are both UK Biodiversity Action Plan (UK BAP) species; meaning they are species of conservation concern and action is being taken to protect and conserve them and their habitats. Two species have been recorded in Sussex. These include Cicindela campestris and Cicindela sylvatica.

The commonest, and possibly the most attractive of the British species, is the beautiful Cicindela campestris, the Common or Green Tiger Beetle. C. campestris is a fast, long-legged, agile predator that is easily recognized due to its iridescent green and purple colouring, along with its distinctive yellowish spots on the elytra. The adults, which can be seen from April to September on dry heaths and other sandy places, fly and run actively in the sunshine.

Exam fever ...

Chiddingfold Forest, 9 and 10 June 2012

With exam fever continuing to take over our household, any opportunity to make a dash for fresh air and solitude is grabbed with both hands. A brief chance yesterday afternoon and likewise earlier today was greatly welcomed …

My reward yesterday, a beautiful female Orange Moth (Angerona prunaria). Though pleased, I was rather surprised to see this insect at 3.30 in the afternoon, as the male of this species typically flies at dusk, whilst the rather elusive female, generally much later into the night. It is a widely distributed species and generally only locally common in woodland and heathland across its range. Its larvae feed on a variety of trees and plants including birch, hawthorn, blackthorn and heather. Today as I entered the wood, I was greeted by a small company of the rather enchanting longhorn moth, Nemophora degeerella, gracefully dancing along the edge of the track. Numerous specimens of the highly distinctive Speckled Yellow (Pseudopanthera macularia) were also present, as indeed were numerous Speckled Wood and two Red Admiral making strategic claims for territory.

A male Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus), the second I’ve found this year, provided a welcome find to end my visit.

Until next time ...

Stag party ...

Westhampnett, 22 May 2012

I have always been fascinated by the world of beetles. Of the 4300 or so British species (approximately 3000 in Sussex), the male Stag Beetle (Lucanus cervus) surely stands as the most impressive and most imposing in the native fauna. Last night, whilst walking along the northern perimeter of Westhampnett Gravel pit, I came across a beautiful 6.5cm, 4gm male (pictured below).

L. cervus is Britain’s largest terrestrial beetle. Spending at least five years as large white grubs underground in the root-stocks of deciduous tree stumps, they emerge as fully-grown adult insects in the spring when they may be seen flying on warm evenings at dusk. The adult beetle cannot eat solids; their enlarged mandibles being totally useless for eating. They do however imbibe fluids and it is believed they will take sustenance from sweet juicy fruits and fermenting sap runs. The adult beetles have enough fat reserves to keep them going during the short period they spend above ground; these reserves being accumulated by their larvae during the final stage of their long life underground. Today it has become rare in many parts of its range but is still locally common in southern England.

Despite its appearance it is harmless to man ...