Rare beetle sensation: Large doll robbers return after 100 years!

Rare beetle sensation: Large doll robbers return after 100 years!

In an exciting nature event, nature lovers and scientists in southern Bavaria reported a find that should make the hearts of insect lovers beat faster. The large doll robber (Calosoma Sycophanta), a rare beetle from the truck family, was spotted again in the region after more than 100 years. The reports, which come mainly from Munich, Bogenhausen and Moosach as well as from the surrounding cities of Freising and Landshut, are particularly remarkable. This find has been confirmed according to Bavarian State Institute for Forest and Forestry.

But what exactly makes this beetle so special? The large doll robber primarily eats caterpillars of night folds and thus plays an important role as a beneficiary. With the growing number of moth species that increase due to climate change, the problems for the oaks could also increase. A little hope is these beetles, because a single large doll robber eats astonishing 400 caterpillars per season!

a beetle with history

The last documented viewing of the great doll robber in southern Bavaria dates from 1906. The return of this remarkable beetle could be attributed, among other things, to global warming, which offers him a suitable habitat. The small doll robber (Calosoma Inquisitor), despite its rarity in southern Bavaria, could also benefit from these changes. Historically, there is evidence of this kind in the Danube Valley on the border with Austria.

The large doll robber is not only striking, but also has an impressive appearance: its body length varies between 17.5 and 28 millimeters, and its coloring can be ranged from blue -warm to gold -green and even slightly reddish. The longitudinal cover wings that can vary in their colors are striking - a real natural artwork.

ecological meaning

beetle, and especially the large doll robber, make a decisive contribution to a healthy ecosystem. They colonize almost all of the earth's habitats and take on different roles in the natural balance. As robbers, they not only eat pests, they do their larvae the same. A proof of how important the preservation of such beneficials is for biological pest control. There are currently other useful beetle species, such as lady beetles, which destroy up to 40,000 aphids during their lives.

The Bavarian State Institute for Forest and Forestry has invited the citizens to report the sightings of the large doll robber, in particular with images and locations. This could help to better understand the existence of this endangered way.

The range of doll robbers

When distinguishing the two types of doll robberies, the neck shield is an important feature. The large puppet robber shows a cross -lapped neck shield that clearly lifts it off from other beetle species, while the small doll robber comes up with an oval neck shield. Despite their similarities, both types are unique representatives within the genus of doll robbers (Calosoma). These beetles are real survival artists and hibernate in the ground for up to three years as adult animals.

Overall, the return of the great doll robber to our region shows how nature can adapt to changed conditions and remind us of protecting and appreciating our domestic beneficiaries. In order to learn more about these fascinating beetles, the LWF offers a leaflet with portraits of both species for download in order to get the population even more active into nature conservation.