Whilst using my moth-trap in recent months, I have found a number of insects other
than moths flying into it. Many of these have been crane-flies but there have also
been some interesting beetles. Whilst at Llandigige, in Wales, a week ago, many beetles
like the one pictured were caught. I can’t be certain about a name for this species
but I think it is one of the dung beetles. Livestock is kept on the farm and I often
find the larger Dor Beetle whilst out walking.
The moth-trap has also drawn in a number of burying beetles, which are also called
Sexton Beetles. At Llandigige the trap caught the specimen shown below. This beetle
measured 23 mm from the tip of its head to the end of its abdomen. I have also caught
specimens of the largest burying beetle, Nicrophorus humator. Interestingly, all
of the burying beetles trapped have had parasitic mites clinging to their bodies
and these have been of such a size and have occurred in such numbers that they must
be a real nuisance to the beetles.
The sexton beetles get their name because they lay their eggs on small, dead animals
and then excavate the soil beneath the animals to bury them. A few years ago, I came
across several beetles like the one shown in the picture as they were busy burying
a vole on moorland at Ladybower, in the Peak District.
