 Wild About Britain
|
|
|
Author
|
|
poschiavanus
Commander of the Wild Empire
Registered: April 2007
Posts: 1,238
|
|
|
I don't think this is P. serraticornis as the head is black. Probably one of the two black-headed cardinal beetles: Black-headed Cardinal beetle P. coccinea or the Scarce Cardinal beetle Schizotus pectinicornis. P. coccinea is larger (over 14 mm) whilst S. pectinicornis is only 8-9 mm, and has a small black spot towards the back of the pronotum. Both are Nationally Scarce.
Here are profiles of all 3 from English Nature report 467
http://www.english-nature.org.uk/pub...DF/enrr467.pdf
Pyrochroidae - Cardinal Beetles
Pyrochroa coccinea (L.) - Black-headed Cardinal. [Nationally Scarce Category B] Larvae develop over two to three years, under bark of freshly dead broad-leaved timber where hunt other insects; cannibalism known; pupates in cell under bark. Mostly in ancient woodlands and wood pastures; widespread in England, extending into the Welsh Border counties, but not penetrating far into SW England, and northwards only into southern Cumbria; identified from about 120-150 10km squares.
Pyrochroa serraticornis (Scopoli)* - Red-headed Cardinal. Larvae develop under bark on various dead broad-leaved trees, in a wide variety of situations in Britain. Rare in Ireland.
Schizotus pectinicornis (L.) - Nationally Scarce A. Larvae under bark of recently dead birch Betula, oak Quercus, Salix and alder Alnus; probably feed on detritus or mould; Scottish Highlands & Welsh Borders.
It therefore seems most likely to be P. coccinea.
|
|
|
|
FungiJohn
Knight of the Wild Empire
Registered: March 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 8,941
|
|
|
Many thanks for that poschiavanus. Vicky has also just emailed me with the correct name ... coccinea.
John
------------------------------
My WAB Gallery.
|
|
|
|
|
Coley
Member of the Wild Empire
Registered: August 2007
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 286
|
|
|
Lovely shot, it looks sparkly.
I found one of these today, but the wing case was golden yellow. Is that normal?
|
|
|
|
|
|
All times are GMT. The time now is 05:48 AM.
Photo Details
