BEETLES, BLOG, INSECTS, NATURE, SPRING

Scarce Black Oil Beetle Found

Nationally scarce Black Oil Beetle at Charlton Down Nature Area in Dorset
Black Oil Beetle at Charlton Down Nature Area in Dorset. Priority species for conservation under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan
Black Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabeus) at Charlton Down Nature Area in Dorset. Priority species for conservation under the UK Biodiversity Action Plan

Lovely find in the nature area yesterday by Katie Glaze and her family!

Black Oil Beetle ‘Meloe proscarabaeus’

Oil beetles are rather strange-looking beetles with their large abdomens protruding from under short elytra (wing cases). This one was huge, about 3cm!

The Black Oil Beetle is most commonly found on wildflower-rich coastal cliff tops and lowland, unimproved grasslands. Occasionally it can be found on woodland sites.

It is a priority species for conservation action in the UK Biodiversity Action Plan and identified as Nationally Scarce.

We have something really special in our nature area.

Black Oil Beetle in long grass at Charlton Down Nature Area

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winderjssc

A volunteer helper at the Charlton Down Nature Area in Dorset using a life-long interest in natural history to help improve the biodiversity and amenity value of the site. Enthusiastic about the natural world right on our doorstep, and working to enable all visitors to enjoy, learn, and appreciate the value of wilder places. Jessica writes the Charlton Down Nature Area website and blog at https://charltondownnaturearea.uk and Jessica's Nature Blog at https://natureinfocus.blog.

4 thoughts on “Scarce Black Oil Beetle Found”

  2. That’s a fantastic find indeed. What a success! Oil beetles have become very rare in Germany. It was our ‘Insect of the Year’ in 2020. 🖤

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