Page 156 - NT 2022 Almanac

There are more types of beetle than any other type of insect. In Britain there are about 4,000 species, and they make up 40 per cent of insect life in this country. It is thought that there are around 350,000 beetle species worldwide.
7-spot ladybird
This is one of the most familiar beetles and you have probably seen a lot of them. They are very useful to gardeners as they like to eat greenfly (also known as aphids).
Green tiger beetle
This scary-looking minibeast has long legs and sharp jaws. It takes short flying leaps to attack its prey or
to escape danger.
Devil’s coach-horse
This large beetle looks like a mini monster! It likes damp places so will mostly be found under logs and stones. It can give you a nasty nip, so be careful.
Stag beetle
This is Britain’s largest beetle, but you may never see one as it spends most of its life below ground feeding on dead wood. Male stag beetles have ‘antlers’ which are actually large jaws.
Violet ground beetle
This beetle is large and moves very fast. It goes out mainly at night and can be found in woods, meadows and gardens. If it is frightened, it gives off a nasty smell.
Cockchafer
This beetle is mostly nocturnal. Sometimes it is known as the May bug because it comes out in the spring.
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Oil beetle
These large insects get their name from the oils they release. They are usually found in the spring on meadow flowers.