THE search is on for Scotland’s elusive oil beetles this spring.
Conservation charity, Buglife Scotland, is calling for public help to find the creatures.
Conservation officer Sally Morris said: “New sites for oil beetles are found every year, and every record helps us better understand these amazing beetles.
“Have you spotted a shiny black beetle that might be an oil beetle? Send us a photo and help us learn more about these charismatic beetles in Scotland.”
There are five species of oil beetle in the UK, but only three are found in Scotland, these are the Black Oil Beetle (Meloe proscarabaeus), Violet Oil Beetle (Meloe violaceus) and Short-necked Oil Beetle (Meloe brevicollis). Their populations have declined due to habitat loss and wild bee declines, making public sightings crucial for conservation efforts.
They are distinctive in that they exude a yellowish oil from their leg joints when threatened; appear to wear an “ill-fitting waistcoat” due to their short wing cases; have a remarkable life cycle tied to solitary bees—their larvae hitch rides on bees to access underground nests; and can be spotted in wildflower grasslands, heathland, and coastal areas from March to June.
The rarest is the Short-necked Oil Beetle, which has, so far, only been found at a handful of locations within Scotland – the Isles of Coll, Islay and Tiree (Inner Hebrides), as well as Uist and Barra (Outer Hebrides). But could it also be in Dumfries and Galloway?
Sally added: “This oil beetle is a focus species for the Species on the Edge programme, a partnership between NatureScot, Buglife and other wildlife charities. Buglife hopes to improve the fortunes of this special beetle.
“It is hoped that with more eyes looking more populations will be discovered!”
There is a guide to identifying oil beetles on Buglife’s website (buglife.org.uk) and sightings can be submitted through the iRecord app with photos, or on on social media using #OilBeetleHunt.
Photo by Peadar O’Connell
