I've seen 10% of the UK beetle fauna!

Posted by Graeme Lyons , Friday 17 February 2012 17:58

So tussocking has really provided the goods this week at Woods Mill. I have added quite a few new species and I've become well entrenched in my new office. I managed to get the Victorian gentleman's desk into my new house with a little help from Niall Basquille. So, the new set up works well. Anyway, back to the tussocking. I have recorded the following species this week, those highlighted in bold were new species for me. Nothing particularly rare here but considering I walk around Woods Mill near daily, I was surprised to get so many ticks!

Carabids
Paradromius linearis
Philorhizus melanocephalus
Oxypselaphus obscurus
Agonum gracile (above photo)
Pterostichus vernalis
Agonum thoreyi

Staphylinids
Anotylus rugosus
Stenus bimaculatus
Paederus riparius
Sepedophilus nigripennis 
Tachyporus spp. (I think I have at least two species but need to spend some more time on them)
Stenus spp. (I have at least another two species, I need more time though!)

Ladybirds
16-spot Ladybird
24-spot Ladybird

Woodlice
Common Pygmy Woodlouse
Common Striped Woodlouse
Common Shiny Woodlouse
Common Pill Woodlouse

Bugs
Drymus sylvaticus

Arachnids
Nemastoma bimaculatum
Ozyptila brevipes
Pisaura miribilis
Tibellus sp.

Leaf beetles
Phaedon tumidulus

What this illustrates is the importance of over-wintering structure for invertebrates. I also realised quite quickly that a tussock on the high and dry in or next to a wetland can be rammed with invertebrates. My 403rd species, making 10% of the 4034 or so UK species, was Agonum gracile above.

Also this week I have got hold of the key to springtails. I have two large specimens to look at today and see how the key works...

2 Response to "I've seen 10% of the UK beetle fauna!"

Patrick Roper Says:

Have you tried breeding from old bird's nests? They often produce all sorts of rarities, especially if they are filled with muck. Just put them in a large jar. This is the time of year to start.

Graeme Lyons Says:

I have not Patrick, something else to try this year I reckon! I must try and rear through some saproxylics from old logs this year too.

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