Darkling Beetle (Lagria hirta)

Firstly, context: There are an estimated 20,000 species of Darkling beetle (Tenebrionidae) worldwide.

There are just ten species in the genus Lagria in the large subfamily Lagriinae, of which there are approx. 800 species.

Of that ten, just two can be found in the UK, L. hirta and L. antripes. Of the two, L hirta is the more widespread and common.

On first viewing the two look remarkably similar, although L.hirta is smaller (7-10mm compared to 10-12mm)

There are other differences close up, but one visible in this photograph which ID's this as L. hirta, is that the Pronotum has clear punctures across its whole surface.

L. atripes has a smooth centre section running the length of the Protonum from head to thorax.

Adults occur from May to late July in a wide range of habitats including open woodland, grassland and urban gardens etc. They generally become active at twilight and are nocturnal. During the day they may be found resting a variety of surfaces or in various ‘open’ flowers e.g. daises, yarrow or umbels feeding upon nectar or pollen.

Eggs are laid in humous-rich soil and hatch in just over a week. The larvae feed upon decaying vegetation or turf before overwintering, finally pupating in the soil in the spring.

Adults begin to emerge in May and the cycle recommences.