Insectologists have detected the strictly protected scarlet tortoise beetle for the first time in the Saxon Switzerland National Park. The experts also found larvae and pupae. It can therefore be assumed that the scarlet chafer is also reproducing there, the national park administration announced. This is good news.
The beetle, which is protected throughout Europe, was previously only found in south-eastern Bavaria. However, it appears to have spread recently. The animal has been sighted in various federal states, including in Saxony for the first time three years ago. The site in the national park is the sixth in the Free State.
Feelers like a string of pearls
The scarlet chafer is easy to confuse with species from the fire beetle family. However, it is flatter. The scarlet beetle can be clearly recognized by its antennae, which resemble a black string of pearls.
Around 450 wood-dwelling beetle species have been observed in the national park to date. Many of them are very rare throughout Germany or even only occur in Saxon Switzerland.
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