unid ground beetle

[asheleaf]

hi all, can anyone id this beetle. Its for a very young and enthusiastic coleopterist so english name essential really (make one up if it doesnt have one!) Does it have any interesting habits I could share with him (and he can share with the rest of the world).

many thanks, Ashe

lowland heath, West Sussex

[Paul mabbott]

It's not a ground beetle but a dor beetle one of the Geotrupes genus. These are tunneling dung beetles as opposed to rolling dung beetles. They dig a hole under dung (their forelegs are like little spades) provision the tunnel with dung and then lay their eggs in it.

There are several British species of Geotrupes but three are common. I'm not hopeful that they can be separated from a photo but will have a look after coffee!

Originally Posted by asheleaf

hi all, can anyone id this beetle. Its for a very young and enthusiastic coleopterist so english name essential really (make one up if it doesnt have one!) Does it have any interesting habits I could share with him (and he can share with the rest of the world).

many thanks, Ashe

lowland heath, West Sussex

[asheleaf]

Originally Posted by Paul mabbott

It's not a ground beetle but a dor beetle one of the Geotrupes genus. These are tunneling dung beetles as opposed to rolling dung beetles. They dig a hole under dung (their forelegs are like little spades) provision the tunnel with dung and then lay their eggs in it.

There are several British species of Geotrupes but three are common. I'm not hopeful that they can be separated from a photo but will have a look after coffee!

thanks Paul, the info is great. I'm sure my young friend will love repeating those behavioural descriptions to all his school friends. As for the species name, I'm sure he will be more that happy with Tunneling Dung Beetle.

many thanks, Ashe

[asheleaf]

hi paul, I've had another suggestion of female minotaur beetle? They are known from this site. I wondered what you thought.

Cheers, Ashe

[Paul mabbott]

Originally Posted by asheleaf

hi paul, I've had another suggestion of female minotaur beetle? They are known from this site. I wondered what you thought.

Cheers, Ashe

I don't think so, the body looks so dor-like - however I'll have a look tomorrow along with the key - just off out at the moment.

[asheleaf]

uploaded another photo in case it helps



thanks, Ashe