Wildlife Review 2025: Beetles (Coleoptera)

One of the largest orders of insects with over 4,000 UK species. An under-recorded group at the Warren with the Recording Area audit currently at 454, boosted this year with 37 new species in the annual total of 201.  Increased awareness and diligence resulting in many more species compared with 160 recorded in 2024. Found in a wide range of habitat including aquatic, exploiting a variety of food sources. The order is separated into many families, as featured in this review.

Whirligig beetles (Gyrinidae)

Just one species on the audit, Gyrinus caspius, a brackish water species found on several of the smaller ponds.

Diving beetles (Dysiscidae) 

Two species recorded, both on 24th February, Colymbetes fuscus to light and Hydroporus planus under driftwood.

Hydroporus planus 24th February - Alan Keatley

Water scavenger beetles (Hydrophilidae)

A mostly semi aquatic group, although all species found were terrestrial, associated with rotting vegetation and dung. The commonest species, favouring areas of seaweed, Helophorus brevipalpis from 24th February. A new species Cercyon unipunctatus was recorded on 1st March with another new species, Sphaeridium lunatum on 8th April, both on the beach.

Cercyon unipunctatus 1st March - Alan Keatley

Stag beetles (Lucanidae)

The only species recorded on site, a Lesser Stag Beetle Dorcus parallelipipedus on 23rd May.

Ground beetles (Carabidae) 

With over 360 UK species one of the largest beetle family and well represented on site with 32 species recorded this year, seven of which were new discoveries; Acupalpus exiguus on 1st March, Paranchus albipes on 5th March, Bembidion tetracolum on 24th March, Pterostichus anthracinus on 29th March - a nationally scarce beetle with only seven previous Devon records, Leistus fulvibarbis and Loricera pilicornis on 30th April and Dyschirius politus on 1st May. 

Pterostichus anthracinus 29th March - Alan Keatley

Other notable finds included the coastal specialists, Calathus mollis on 14th January, Pogonus chalceus on 12th March and Broscus cephalotes from 20th March. More widespread Copper Greenclock Poecilus cupreus on 7th April and Harpalus tardus on 28th April.

Pogonus chalceus 12th March - Alan Keatley

Rove beetles (Staphylinidae)

The largest beetle family with over a thousand UK species. Visible abdomen segments identify rove beetles, but field identification of species can be difficult. These are mainly fast-moving predators, although some do feed on carrion, fungi, dung or dead plant material. Only fourteen species were positively identified with four new for the Recording Area; Stenus providus on 6th February, Ocypus aeneocephalus on 24th March, Aleochara bipunctatus on 3rd June and the ant-hunting Drusilla canaliculata on 18th November. 

Drusilla canaliculata 18th November - Alan Keatley

Other finds included Xantholinus longiventris on 13th January, Paederus littoralis from 16th January, Anotylus rugosus on 24th February, Ocypus brunnipes on 24th March, a seaweed dwelling Cafius xantholoma on 4th April, Phytosus spinifer on 10th April, Philonthus cognatus on 14th April, the familiar Devil's Coach-horse Staphylinus olens from 10th May, Paederus riparius on 27th September, Phytosus balticus on 11th October and Tasgius ater on 18th October.

Cafius xantholoma 4th April - Alan Keatley

Scarab and dung beetles (Scarabaeidae)

Rounded in shape, some species are regarded as crop pests, some others breed in dung or rotting vegetation. Species this year started with Aphodius sphacelatus on 14th January, the common Dune Scarab Aegialia arenaria from 17th February, an addition to the site audit Calamosternus granarius on 10th March, Aphodius fimetarius from 16th March, a Cockchafer Melolontha melolontha larvae on 1st March with adults to light later in the year, and Dune Chafer Anomala dubia from on 30th May. 

Calamosternus granarius 10th March - Alan Keatley

A Welsh Chafer Hoplia philanthus was an unexpected first on 18th June with Brown Chafer Serica brunnea noted on 20th June. Autumn species were Aphodius prodromus on 30th October and Aphodius foetidus on 6th November.

Welsh Chafer Hoplia philanthus 18th June - Kevin Rylands

Mud loving beetles (Heteroceridae) 

A saltmarsh mud beetle Heterocerus fossor, a nationally scarce species, was recorded on 15th September, the second record for the site.

Heterocerus fossor 15th September - Alan Keatley

Clown beetles (Histeridae) 

Small, rounded scavengers found on the beach or amongst seaweed. Species found this year include Kissister minimus on 24th February and Hypocaccus dimidiatus on 1st March.

Hypocaccus dimidiatus 1st March - Alan Keatley

Carrion beetles (Silphidae)

Mainly carrion feeders, although some species feed on fungi, vegetation or predate snails. Just one species this year, the larvae of Silpha tristis on 1st June.

Silpha tristis 1st June - Kevin Rylands

Round fungus beetles (Leiodidae)

These tiny beetles are usually found under bark, Just one representative and a new species, a Leiodes calcarata on 3rd February. 

Leiodes calcarata 3rd February - Alan Keatley

Long-toed water beetles (Dryopidae)

Small, elongated, hairy species. Another new species found on the beach, a Dryops luridus on 20th November.

Dryops luridus 20th November - Alan Keatley

Click beetles (Elateridae)

Mainly a woodland group, although some species are found in grassland. The commonest species on site Agrypnus murinus was noted from 25th March, an Agriotes sputator was found on 5th March with Athous haemorrhoidalis on 30th May.

Agriotes sputator 5th March - Alan Keatley

Soldier beetles (Cantharidae)

Colourful, flower visiting beetles. A new species, Cantharis decipiens was found on 1st May, with Cantharis rustica from 11th May and the first of many Common Red Soldier Beetle Rhagonycha fulva from 9th June. The second new species to be recorded was Silis ruficollis on 30th June with Cantharis niger noted on 2nd July. In a good year for soldier beetles, a third new species, Cantharis flavilabris was recorded on 5th July.

Silis ruficollis 30th June - Alan Keatley

Wood-boring beetles (Ptinidae)

A new species found on its food plant, an Ivy Boring Beetle Ochina ptinoides on 14th May. A Common Furniture Beetle Anobium punctatum aka Woodworm, found in a natural woodland habitat on 5th July.

Ivy Boring Beetle Ochina ptinoides 14th May - Alan Keatley

Larder beetles (Dermestidae)

Small beetles that feed mainly on dried materials. Regarded as a pest in a domestic environment, a Varied Carpet Beetle Anthrenus verbasci was found nectaring on flowers on 31st May. A new species for the Recording Area.

Soft-winged flower beetles (Melyridae)

Another pollen feeding family. Common Malachite Beetle Malachius bipunctatus appeared from 17th May, with Dasytes plumbeus very common from 19th May. A new species, Dasytes aeratus, was recorded on 16th July.

Common Malachite Beetle Malachius bipunctatus - Alan Keatley

Silken fungus beetles (Crytophagidae)

Associated with bumblebee nests, but can be found on flowers, Antherophagus pallens was recorded on 9th June.

Antherophagus pallens 9th June - Alan Keatley

Shining flower beetles (Phalacridae)

Olibrus affinis, a common species,was noted from 14th May.

Sap beetles (Nitdulidae)

A very common beetle, Meligethes aeneus, found on almost any yellow flowers, particularly Dandelion, on the reserve.

Ladybirds (Coccinellidae)

These often colourful and spotted beetles are well represented on site, although some smaller species are plainer and less obvious. The familiar Seven-spot Ladybird Coccinella septempunctata was the first to be noted on 2nd January with a 22-spot Ladybird Psyllobora vigintiduopunctata from 9th January and Red Marsh Ladybird Coccidula rufa from 14th January. March saw 24-spot Ladybird Subcoccinella vigintiquattuorpunctata on 4th, Meadow Ladybird Rhyzobius litura from 5th, Harlequin Ladybird Harmonia axyridis from 29th and 10-spot Adalia decumpunctata and Pine Ladybird Exochomus quadripustulatus on 31st.

Red Marsh Ladybird Coccidula rufa 4th October - Alan Keatley

In April, Two-spot Ladybird Adalia bipunctata on 5th, with Heather Ladybird Chilocorus bipustulatus on 16th May, 14-spot Ladybird Propylea quattuordecimpunctata on 10th June, 11-spot Ladybird Coccinella undecimpunctata on 15th June and Orange Ladybird Halyzia sedecimguttata on 25th June. A new species, Arboreal Ladybird Rhyzobius chrysomeloides on 30th September and finally an Adonis Ladybird Hippodamia variegata on 11th October.

Adonis Ladybird Hippodamia variegata 11th October - Alan Keatley

Minute scavenger beetles (Latridiidae)

Tiny beetles found in mouldy and damp vegetation. Cartodere bifasciata was noted from 4th April.

 Cartodere bifasciata 13th October - Alan Keatley

Minute hooded beetles (Corylophidae)

Tiny beetles found on fungi, a Sercioderus lateralis was recorded on 7th October.

Tumbling flower beetles (Mordellidae) 

Often numerous on flowers, Anaspis maculata was first noted on 3rd May, . The similar Anaspis frontalis was recorded on Hawthorn from 14th May.

Ironclad beetles (Zopheridae)

Associated with woodland fungi and found under bark, another new species, Pycnomerus fuliginosus recorded on 19th June.

Pycnomerus fuliginosus 19 June - Alan Keatley

Darkling beetles (Tenebrionidae)

A varied family with some species very similar to other beetle families. This first of the year a Phylan gibbus on 3rd February, with the beach roaming Phaleria cadaverina from 1st March. Further species included Nalassus laeviotostriatus on 10th March, Isomira murina noted on 30th May and Lagria hirta from 8th June with Opatrum sabulosum on 29th September.

Opatrum sabulosum 29th September - Alan Keatley

Cardinal beetles (Pyrochroidae)

Only one representative of this distinctive family recorded on site, the Red-headed Cardinal Pyrochroa serraticornis from 20th May.

Red-headed Cardinal Pyrochroa serraticornis 30th May - Kevin Rylands

False blister beetles (Oedemeridae)

One of the commonest summer beetles, the Swollen-thighed Beetle Oedemera nobilis was active from 9th May, with the less common Oedemera femoralis from 12th March. More specialist, the Wharf Borer Nacerdes melanura, was found under driftwood from 22nd May.

Wharf Borer Nacerdes melanura 22nd May - Kevin Rylands

Ant-like flower beetles (Anthicidae)

Tiny beetles found on flowers, two new species; Omonadus floralis on 15th June and Anthicus antherinus on 11th August.

Longhorn beetles (Cerambycidae)

Often colourful with long antennae and frequent flower visitors, with larva developing in dead wood. The first were Common Grammoptera G. ruficornis and Wasp Beetle Clytus arietis on 14th May. Three further species appeared on 28th May, Spotted Longhorn Rutpela maculata, Fairy-ring Longhorn Pseudovadonia livida and a pair of mating Golden-haired Longhorn Leptura aurulenta. A new species was a Greater Thorn-tipped Longhorn Pogoncherus hispidulus, possibly brought in or attracted by a timber delivery.

Golden-haired Longhorn Leptura aurulenta 28th May - Lee Collins

Leaf beetles (Chrysomelidae)

Another large family with over 270 UK species. Larva feed on leaves or roots and can be a pest in an agricultural, forestry or horticultural environment. Twenty-four species were identified this year with four new for the Recording Area; Mangold Flea Beetle Chaetocnema concinna on 12th March, found on water plants, Phaedon armoraciae on 20th March, the bedstraw feeding Sermylassa halensis on 24th September and Wheat Flea Beetle Neocrepidodera ferruginea on 9th October.

Sermylassa halensis 24th September - Alan Keatley

Other species included Rosemary Beetle Chrysolina americana from 1st March, Prasocuris phellandrii on 12th March, Tortoise Beetle Cassida vibex from 9th April, Knotgrass Leaf Beetle Chrysolina polita on 21st April, Bronze Leaf Beetle Chrysolina banksii from 29th April, Fleabane Tortoise Beetle Cassida murraea on 30th April, Red Poplar Leaf Beetle Chrysolina populi on 10th May, Asparagus Beetle Crioceris asparagi from 1st June and Bloody-nosed Beetle Timarcha tenebricosa on 31st July.

Fleabane Tortoise Beetle Cassida murraea 30th April - Alan Keatley

Weevils (Curculionidae)

The second largest beetle family with nearly 500 UK species. Although weevils have a distinctive look about them, many species are challenging to identify, however some are distinctive enough to the identifiable in the field or with detailed photos. Habitat or associated food plant can help. Thirty-seven species were identified this year including seven new for the Recording Area; Notaris scirpi on 12th March, the nettle weevil Parethelcus pollinarius on 27th March, a dandelion weevil Glocianus punctiger on 21st April, Cabbage Stem Weevil Ceutorhynchus pallidactylus on 11th May, Withy Weevil Cryptorhynchus lapathi on 30th May, Strawberry Blossom Weevil Anthenomus rubi on 9th October and a nationally scarce driftwood weevil Pseudophloeophagus truncorum on 30th October. 

Withy Weevil Cryptorhynchus lapathi 30th May - Alan Keatley

After an apparent absence of 13 years the Lupin Weevil Charagmus gressorius was rediscovered on Warren Point on 10th May, feeding on the invasive Tree Lupin, the Warren is the only UK site for this species. 

Lupin Weevil Charagmus gressorius 10th June - Kevin Rylands

Other species of note included Marram Weevil Philopedon plagiatum from 4th March, a wood boring weevil Euophryum confine on 10th March, Strawberry Root Weevil Otiorhychus ovatus on 18th March, a Sheep Sorrel weevil Apion haematodes on 20th March, Black Marram Weevil Otiorhynchus atroapterus on 25th March, Clover Leaf Weevil Hypera postica on 9th April and Pea-leaf Weevil Sitona lineatus and Willow Gall Weevil Archarius salicivorus on 22nd April.

Willow Gall Weevil Archarius salicivorus 22nd April - Alan Keatley

Into May a mallow weevil Malvapion malvae from 4th, Lixus scabricollis and Pselactus spadix both under driftwood on 10th and a plantain weevil Mecinus pascuorum on 16th, with the leafmine of Orchestes quercus on Oak from 1st June, Loosestrife Weevil Nanophyes marmoratus from 3rd June and Golden Keyhole Weevil Sibinia arenariae on 15th June.

Pselactus spadix 22nd May - Alan Keatley