Skip to content

Nature

UK's Buglife invites the nation on an Oil Beetle Hunt!

by Martin Leggett 27 Mar 2011
UK's Buglife invites the nation on an Oil Beetle Hunt!

Oil Beetles are instantly recognizable, with their shimmering oily-reflective colours, and oddly-shaped headgear. At now, with spring upon us, is when they emerge to feed on the flowers and pollen of newly flowering plants. There were 8 native UK species of Oil Beetle, but 4 of these have since become extinct. The reason is that, because of their unusual life-cycle, they are very susceptible to changes in the natural ecosystem, which an industrialised farming landscape has certainly bought in its wake.

The adult Oil Beetles spend spring gorging on petals and pollen, and then lay their eggs on the flower-heads. Then, when the larvae hatch, they lie in wait for an unsuspecting host - solitary bees that come to the flowers seeking nectar and pollen. Amazingly mobile, the triungulins, as they are called, leap onto the bee, to hitch a ride back to its nest.

Once there, the triungulins change form again, and feast on the nectar, pollen and even eggs that the solitary bee has in its nest. It takes another 3 moults before they are gorged enough to pupate in the bees burrow. Then they wait out the winter, to emerge as adult Oil Beetles in spring.

It is because these fascinating insects rely on the health of bee populations, who are dependent again on richly diverse wild-flower meadows, that Oil Beetles are prized as an indicator of a healthy ecosystem. In fact, they were identified as priority species for conservation action as part of the UK's Biodiversity Action Plan.

So how can you help? By getting out and about, with kids or without, and recording your findings of the Oil Beetle family. Buglife has a handy downloadable identification sheet, so with that in hand, keep an eye out, take pictures, and then record sightings online - you can even upload your photos if you want.

Nick Baker, TV Wildlife Presenter and Buglife Vice-President, is a big fan of Oil Beetles, and had this to say in support of the Oil Beetle Hunt: ''Oil beetles are big, bold beetles with a lustre that would put any oil droplet to shame. Look out for them this spring and if you are lucky enough to discover one ambling along, take the time to enjoy it and then pass on the details of your experience to Buglife as every record received will go a long way to helping us understand this beautiful beetle.''


Trending Eco-Friendly Clothing

Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Love My Planet Women's Relaxed Fit Hoodie
Love My Planet women's eco-friendly relaxed fit hoodieSize Guide Centimeters 8 10 12 14 16 18 Bust 84 88 92 97 103 108 Waist 66 70 75 80 85 91 Hips 91 95 99 104 109 116 Bust: Measure around the fullest part of...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Penguins Hate Push-Ups Men's Pullover Hoodie
Penguins Hate Push-Ups men's eco-friendly pullover HoodieSize Guide Centimeters XS S M L XL XXL Height 171 175 179 183 189 195 Chest 86 93 99 104 116 129 Waist 71 76 81 89 99 112 Chest: Measure all round your chest just below...
£38.00
£38.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Lightning Bolt Kids Long Sleeve T-Shirt
Lightning Bolt kids eco-friendly long sleeve t-shirtSize Guide Centimeters 3-4yrs 5-6yrs 7-8yrs 9-10yrs 11-12yrs Height 98 112 125 136 147 Chest 60 66 70 75 84 Chest: Measure all around your chest just below your armpits. Height: Your natural height If you fall between...
£18.00
£18.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Earth
Quick Add
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Union Jack Tote Bag
Union Jack eco-friendly colour tote bagProduct Specification Organic Cotton Tote Bag. Twill Weave (170gsm). 37 x 42 cm (7cm gusset.) Made in India / Designed on the Isle of Wight. Wash Cool, Hang Dry.
£16.00
£16.00
Close
Notify me
Notify me
Prev Post
Next Post

Eco-Friendly Shop

Women's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Women Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable women’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Men's Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothing for Men Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable men’s clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies, vests, sweaters, shorts, and...
Shop Now

Kids Clothing

Eco-Friendly Clothes for Kids Our online shop offers a wide range of sustainable kids clothing products, including t-shirts, hoodies and jumpers. Our garments...
Shop Now
Someone recently bought a
[time] ago, from [location]

Thanks for subscribing!

This email has been registered!

Shop the look

Choose Options

Earth Times
Sign up for exclusive updates, new arrivals & insider only discounts

Recently Viewed

Edit Option
Back In Stock Notification
this is just a warning
Login
Shopping Cart
0 items

Before you leave...

Take 20% off your first order

20% off

Enter the code below at checkout to get 20% off your first order

CODESALE20

Continue Shopping