Terrestrial Beetles
Terrestrial beetles of the Avalon Marshes
The Avalon Marshes complex is most noted for its amazing assemblage of aquatic Coleoptera that spend most of their lives in the ditches and lakes. But it also has some very nice terrestrial beetles that are of interest. The woodland areas are relatively young because of the historic peat extraction across the complex of reserves. So there isn’t the saproxylic fauna of ancient woodlands that can be found in areas such as the New Forest. Some families are, however, well represented, especially the rove beetles of the family Staphylinidae. These range from the very large Devil’s Coach-horse Ocypus olens at 20-32mm right down to the many small species that are only 1-3mm. They all find their own niche in the reserves.
Ground beetles
Ground beetles of the family Carabidae are to be found scuttling over the pathways hunting their prey. A very common species on the Levels is Carabus granulatus which looks like it is made from bronze. And Odacantha melanura, which is a reedbed specialist.
Fungus weevils
Platystomos albinus was first found in Somerset at Ham Wall reserve in April 2022. It’s a member of the Anthribidae family, the fungus weevils, somewhere between the wood-boring Longhorns and the pointy-nosed Weevils. The larvae feed on decaying trees and are associated with the fungus Daldinia, including King Alfred’s cakes Daldinia concentrica.
Wood boring beetles
Wood boring beetles can be found at low levels with perhaps the most striking being the longhorn beetles such as Musk Beetle Aromia moschata, how’s Larvae bore into Willow trunks and branches. Also Spotted Longhorn Rutpela maculata and Four-banded Longhorn Leptura quadrifasciata. A recent introduction is the Golden Bloomed Grey Longhorn Beetle Agapanthia villosoviridescens which has moved into the country as the climate has warmed up.
Soldier Beetles
Soldier beetles are also well represented and can be seen on flower heads of Hogweed on sunny days.
The joy of discovering beetles!
At RoAM we love beetles! There are so many different shapes, sizes and beautiful bright colours.
Join our sociable group and learn all about them, and help record their presence here in Somerset.