Oil beetles

[coopder]

I found these oil beetles on the Cornish coastal path in early April. The second was an absolute giant, about twice the size of the first, also the first has a slight bluish colour whereas the second is completely black. Are these different species?





Daniel.

[Geoff F]

I was seeing them on the S. Devon coast at the same time. Including some mating pairs which I suspect is what you have there, the male is the smaller specimen.

Probably Meloe proscarabaeus although in reality M. violaceus (bluer in colour) and M. variegatus (coppery greenish) can be difficult to separate.

The angle of light can create a bluish tinge to the black edges so colour alone is unreliable for identification.

[coopder]

Thanks, much appreciated.

Daniel.

[Andrew_Buglife]

Hi Daniel

We are collecting oil beetle records as part of a conservation project, please could you submit your record through our website:
Buglife | Species Action | Oil Beetles

I wouldn't want to go for a definate ID from your photos, however given the coastal location they are more likely to be M. proscarabaeus than M. violaceus.

thanks and best wishes
Andrew